The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani has commended private experts for their efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

However, appointment letters were returned for clarification on the terms of voluntary service, duration, and liability before approval.

The minister was responding to NUDO MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who sought clarity on the ministry's position regarding private experts volunteering to support FMD efforts in the ||Karas Region, as well as whether it had engaged Disaster Risk Management to assist affected communities.

“The private veterinary experts, veterinarians, and the farmers’ union have offered to provide voluntary services to support the FMD programme in the //Karas Region. They want to assist wherever possible and contribute to the government’s efforts. However, they have not yet received either approval or rejection of their offer.

Zaamwani said the appointment letters were returned to the relevant officials for further clarification before she could approve them.

She said the vaccination campaign had started and urged willing volunteers experiencing communication challenges to contact her or the deputy minister directly.

She also responded to a question from PDM MP Inna Hengari regarding government interventions to resolve rural community water disputes affecting livestock, particularly where animal movement restrictions are in place.

“In a radius of 30 to 50 kilometers in the same area in Aminuis, they can move within that, but they must always contact the regional office state vet to seek clarification if the distance is beyond 50 kilometers.”