Priskilla Dausas, 71, who was evicted from Cando Farm three years ago, is still homeless.

Dausas was moved next to the fence opposite the road when the new farm owner, with no use for new workers, took over.

At the time, Dausas recalls that she had many farm animals, but their numbers have dwindled with time, moving further away from Farm Cando each time.

She is currently placed near neighbouring Farm Paloma in the Omatako District, but the pensioner says she cannot stay here as cattle theft is on the rise in the area.

"So when a cow is stolen, my kids and I are the suspects. We are being accused of stealing their cattle, while we have never been to that farm or asked them for water or food. When the police come, they also don't know what to do with us."

The Roads Authority has also issued Dausas a letter for unlawfully infringing on a road reserve and instructed her to move her cattle.

Dausas' livelihood depends on livestock, and she cannot do without them, she says.

"I have paid my children's school fees by selling cattle and goats. Now they are done and are furthering their studies to become nurses and other professions. I have never asked for money from anyone. What will happen to me if I move to a township where I can't keep my animals?"

She said they have been applying for resettlement farms for over a decade, since she was 60, with no feedback.

The Omatako Constituency Councillor, Israel Hukura, reportedly informed Dausas that he was unable to help her.

Contacted for a response, Hukura said he communicated her situation to all relevant offices and says resettlement is a matter for the line ministry.

He adds that his office visited the Dausas family, together with officials from the regional land reform office, and urged them to await feedback.

 

 

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Author
Eveline Paulus