The ||Kharas Resettled Farmers Association has expressed concern over the slow service delivery of the Water and Fencing Rehabilitation Programme under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform.
Its Chairperson Sophia Motinga shared the sentiment at the Resettled Farmers' Day at Keetmanshoop, urging the ministry to redress the situation.
"Too few water points coupled with long distances between existing water points are challenges some experienced on a day-to-day basis. In some instances, animals have to be moved as far as 10–15 km to reach the next water point. Construction of earth dams where there is none and rehabilitation of water points is long overdue."
The association called for the decentralisation of the development budget to enhance service delivery as well as applications for emergency sub-leasing agreements for a period of up to six months.
It also called to expedite the signing of lease agreements and implementation of the livestock restocking scheme after drought conditions and the establishment of a fund assisting emerging farmers hit by natural disasters.
Moreover, the farmers seek clarity on the implementation of the Revised National Resettlement Policy, which will allow for freehold ownership and subleasing only when the need arises.
Farmers also voiced discontent over funds meant for the poultry production subsidy allegedly being returned to the Treasury amid high interest shown to benefit from the support programme.
The association also wants representation on the Regional Resettled Committee.
The Acting Deputy Executive Director in the Department of Agricultural Development, Ben Haraseb, said no funds were returned while adding the vacant positions will soon be advertised and filled.
The ||Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick noted that her office is inundated with appeals to be assisted with water provision for both human and livestock consumption and emergency grazing for communal and resettlement farmers.
"I am happy to recognise the efforts our government made in mitigating the ongoing drought in our country. We as policymakers should, however, ensure that all government policies and programmes intended to alleviate the effects of drought are implemented timelessly and effectively to the most affected farming communities."
The governor also encourages farmers to diversify their businesses to ensure sustainable agriculture practices.
The government allocated more than 180 farming units in ||Kharas Region to resettle farmers.