Namibia implements N$1.5 billion fencing strategy to protect FMD-free status

The Namibian government is investing N$1.5 billion in a fencing strategy within the ||Kharas region to maintain its foot-and-mouth disease FMD-free status. Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani stated that the veterinary fencing project aims to bolster FMD defenses, establish buffer zones, and safeguard beef exports. Namibia currently holds an FMD-free status without vaccination, allowing it to export to markets such as the European Union and China. Recent FMD outbreaks in neighboring countries, including South Africa's Northern Cape province and Botswana, necessitate increased surveillance and preparedness. Strict movement restrictions have been enforced at southern border posts like Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei to protect livestock and the meat export industry. FMD is a highly contagious trans-boundary animal disease that can severely impact livestock, farmers' livelihoods, national food security, and the agricultural sector. The fencing initiatives include establishing disease-control buffer zones, border and quarantine measures, and upgrading existing fences. The ministry rejected an initial N$179 million quotation for fence erection due to pricing and procurement concerns, and a new bid process is underway for two veterinary cordon fences: a 155km stretch along the Orange River and a 30km section between Klein Manasse and Mata-Mata border posts. The minister emphasized that an FMD introduction into Namibia would lead to significant economic