Bhisho sets aside R62m for drought mitigation

THE Eastern Cape government has set aside around R62.7-million to help farmers and livestock owners in some of the worst affected areas as part of a drought relief plan.

Addressing farmers during the official launch of cropping season in Qinqana village near Elliotdale yest rural development and agrarian reform MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane revealed that his department had moved swiftly to formulate a drought joint operating committee with other government departments and municipalities.

This was after some areas in the province had experienced drought in the past few weeks.

“The current situation in the province is that of a moderate drought in inland parts,” he said.

Joe Gqabi and Chris Hani districts are reportedly the worst affected while parts of Mhlontlo and King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) local municipalities as well as the northern parts of Mbhashe near Ngcobo had also been affected.

Qoboshiyane said the R62.7-million would be used primarily to help livestock farmers by purchasing fodder.

A portion would also be used to sink boreholes in some of these affected areas.

“Furthermore, we will provide regular water resource status updates, projections and early warning to farmers and livestock owners and also start a communication and liaison drought awareness campaign.”

An application would also be made to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department initiatives.

Earlier in the day, Qoboshiyane donated a R200 000 brick-making machine to the Elliotdale Youth Co-operative before launching the cropping season in Qinqana village where 60 hectares will tilled by his department

for

drought

mitigation for the community. He said the department had provided tractors while Mbhashe local municipality had bought seeds.

Local farmers provided fertilisers as part of a service level agreement with Mbhashe and the Qinqana farming community.

Nowinjile Nyawo, 60, who is a farmer said they used to battle to make a living but were grateful for government’s help.