tank
3 March 2007
The Department of Agriculture in the Mbashe Municipality will officially
open a dipping tank as part of the implementation of the Six peg policy that
was announced by MEC Nkwinti in his policy speech of 2006. This event will be
held at Hobeni village at Elliotdale in Mbashe local Municipality on the 5
March 2007, commencing at 09hOO.
MEC Nkwinti said in his policy speech that the department had set aside an
amount of R3,5 million for the development of dipping tanks. "It is critical
that each deserving community farming in livestock, is provided with a dipping
tank that will play a key role in eliminating ticks responsible for tick bone
diseases that have a negative impact in the production of quality livestock and
its products," said MEC Nkwinti.
According to Ms Terry Ntantiso who is an Assistant Manager for agriculture
in the Mbashe municipality, the department bought material for building the
dipping tank at an amount of R26 236,30. She said the people who are going to
benefit from the dip tank have been involved in livestock for most of their
lives.
"The department chose the village for building the dipping tank because it
is very poor but at the same time the community is willing to work because they
build the dipping tank themselves. These farmers are so organised they have a
committee that will oversee the management and use of the dipping tank. They
have been able to collect money amongst themselves and opened a bank account,"
she said.
Ms Ntantiso said the dip tank will be used by three villages which are
Hobeni, Cwebe and Manganyela. She said the dipping tank will benefit
approximately 360 farmers and will serve approximately 2 057 heads of
livestock.
Enquiries:
Thando Sonjica
Cell: 082 774 4768
Ms Terry Ntantiso
Cell: 083 547 4017
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
3 March 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)
