Members of Parliament have called for measures to address the increasing presence of stray cattle along the Bulawayo–Harare Road, arguing that the animals are a serious hazard to motorists.
MP Farai Mapfumo questioned why cattle continue to stray onto the road, particularly between Bulawayo and Shangani, despite the installation of protective fencing along the highway. Said Mapfumo:
“There is a very good fence which was put up, I am sure in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, but you still find that there is a lot of cattle on the road, endangering the lives of citizens.
We saw this coming from our budget in previous years; it has been like that.”
MP Caston Matewu called for stronger enforcement, criticising what he described as a soft approach towards livestock owners.
He bemoaned the countless lives lost due to cattle that are on the roads, not just the Bulawayo-Harare Road, but across the country. Said Matewu:
“If we have deterrent measures to ensure that people do not leave their cattle, it will also cost them money.
“What is the policy of ensuring that at least the police can come and confiscate any cow that is found on the road?
“That will make the farmers take this matter seriously.”
Kwekwe Proportional Representation MP Perseverance Zhou raised concerns over whether local authorities are doing enough to enforce livestock control, particularly in unfenced areas or where animals stray into growth points and towns.
She cited numerous instances of cattle near a cement manufacturing company and scotch carts entering Kwekwe.
In response, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Anxious Masuka said that farmers bear the primary responsibility for controlling their livestock.
He stressed that farmers are liable for accidents caused by their animals, adding that fencing along routes such as Bulawayo to Esigodini is frequently damaged and requires regular maintenance.
Masuka also called for increased awareness and education for farmers on penning their animals and urged local authorities to enforce bylaws more rigorously.
More: CITE
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