The Government has Commissioned the Gonarezhou Game Cordon Fence

The government of Zimbabwe has successfully commissioned the Gonarezhou Veterinary Game Cordon fence, which stretches over 192 kilometres. This milestone project aims to combat the spread of foot and mouth disease in the southern and eastern parts of Chiredzi district, with a significant cattle population.

The project involved the fence reconstruction that separates wildlife, particularly buffaloes, from livestock in the surrounding communities of the Chiredzi district. The commissioning ceremony took place at Mhlanguleni Primary School in Chiredzi South, where the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, emphasized the importance of the fence in preventing the transmission of foot and mouth disease from buffaloes to livestock.

Minister Masuka highlighted that the commissioning of the fence is driven by the government’s commitment to establish foot and mouth disease-free zones. These zones are crucial in regaining local and foreign markets for Zimbabwe’s lucrative beef industry. Additionally, the fence is expected to reduce conflicts between human settlements and wildlife.

To ensure the proper maintenance and protection of the fence, Minister Masuka called on the Department of Veterinary Services and the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) to collaborate and safeguard it from any acts of vandalism.

The Gonarezhou Veterinary Game Cordon fence project began in 2018 and was entirely funded by the government. Local communities in Chiredzi have welcomed the initiative as it has created employment opportunities for the residents.

Accompanied by Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira, Minister Masuka participated in the commissioning ceremony of the project.

Source: The Herald