Operation Thibelo Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has raised concern over dwindling donations, warning that the national response is increasingly relying on government resources as private sector and individual contributions dry up.
The concern was raised on Tuesday during a handover ceremony where Vivo Energy Botswana donated 10,000 litres of fuel to support disease containment efforts in affected areas. Officials described the donation as a major boost to response teams battling outbreaks in Zones 11 and 13, where the disease remains a significant challenge.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Mokganedi Mokopasetso, said fuel is critical to the operation as it enables response teams to reach affected communities, conduct assessments and implement containment measures. He appealed to other companies to emulate Vivo Energy’s gesture, stressing that the livestock sector remains a key pillar of Botswana’s economy.
Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, revealed that it had been more than a month since the task force last received a donation. He said the fight against FMD is also being hampered by some farmers who hide livestock, lock farm gates and illegally move animals despite restrictions aimed at containing the disease.
Vivo Energy Botswana Managing Director Sesupo Oagamang said the company responded to government’s request for assistance because protecting the livestock sector is vital for farmers’ livelihoods, food security, employment and export earnings. He noted that while fuel may seem like a simple contribution, it is a critical resource that keeps response teams mobile and essential interventions reaching affected communities.
