Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
The Hwange Local Board (HLB) has intensified its crackdown on stray livestock in residential areas by demolishing illegal kraals and pens erected by residents on the outskirts of neighbourhoods.
HLB Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Dumisani Nsingo, said the authority would continue removing the illegal structures, which often shelter animals that later stray into residential areas, damaging vegetation and posing risks to residents and motorists.
“We have observed that some livestock owners have established kraals in bushy areas on the outskirts of residential suburbs, a practice we strongly discourage. To curb this, we will continue demolishing such structures, as the animals kept there often stray into residential areas, causing havoc by destroying vegetation and posing safety risks,” he said.
Hwange urban has in recent years been battling a surge in stray cattle, goats, sheep and pigs, prompting authorities to intensify measures to restore order.
Mr Nsingo said the local authority has introduced deterrent fines to control the movement of livestock, but repeat offenders remain a challenge.
“As a development control authority, HLB is mandated to regulate and monitor such activities in line with national legislation and its own set of bylaws,” he said.
He revealed that the council is working on constructing a livestock pound for impounded animals, but noted that the project is capital intensive, prompting HLB to consider partnering private players.
“Owners of impounded livestock would be charged a fee for having their animals housed at the pound, and failure to collect them within a stipulated period will result in auctioning. The auction will be necessitated by the costs incurred in caring for the livestock,” he said.
He added that pigs have become particularly difficult to control, and the board may be forced to put them down as a last resort.
Meanwhile, Government has repeatedly warned farmers against allowing livestock to graze near roadsides, saying such animals will be impounded in terms of the law.
Statutory Instrument 308 of 1974 prohibits the grazing of animals near roads.
To curb road accidents, Government has begun fencing major highways, with work already underway along the Bulawayo–Gweru Road under the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ).
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said the project aims to save lives.
“The fences were put in place with the farmer in mind so that he or she does not continue losing cattle. They were also put in place with the intention of saving lives of those that use our roads,” said Prof Jiri.
He expressed concern over vandalism of the fencing infrastructure.
“When Government initiates something in our communities, it is the duty of the surrounding communities to protect, safeguard and preserve such properties,” he said.
