OSHAKATI – Communities in northern Namibia want the Tsumeb-Oshikango railway line to be fenced off along the Oshivelo to Oshikango stretch for the protection of their livestock.
They fear the train will pose a danger to animals. This emerged during public meetings with the Tsumeb-Oshikango railway project consultants, together with officials from the Ministry of Works Transport and Communications, conducted at Ohangwena and Ondangwa on Monday.The majority of participants at the meetings argued that local farmers would suffer stock losses if the railway line was not fenced off.Unlike in commercial areas, participants said, livestock in northern communal areas grazed randomly and were are not kept on fenced-off farms.Consultants from Windhoek Consulting Engineers, who convened the meetings, indicated that they would consult the Works, Transport and Communications Minister, on the matter.The meetings also heard that people whose land was affected by the railway line would be compensated.The consultants said the Ministry had made funds available for this purpose.Regional and local authority councillors, traditional leaders and members of the public took part in the meetings.- NampaThis emerged during public meetings with the Tsumeb-Oshikango railway project consultants, together with officials from the Ministry of Works Transport and Communications, conducted at Ohangwena and Ondangwa on Monday. The majority of participants at the meetings argued that local farmers would suffer stock losses if the railway line was not fenced off. Unlike in commercial areas, participants said, livestock in northern communal areas grazed randomly and were are not kept on fenced-off farms. Consultants from Windhoek Consulting Engineers, who convened the meetings, indicated that they would consult the Works, Transport and Communications Minister, on the matter. The meetings also heard that people whose land was affected by the railway line would be compensated. The consultants said the Ministry had made funds available for this purpose. Regional and local authority councillors, traditional leaders and members of the public took part in the meetings. – Nampa
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