Botswana to electrify border fence?

Botswana to electrify border fence?

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By Staff Reporter

BOTSWANA has moved closer to electrifying its border with Zimbabwe to keep out immigrants, although the authorities there insist the fence was constructed to prevent livestock from crossing the border.

Botswana completed construction of the 500km electric border fence last year, triggering protests from Zimbabwe government officials led by former Information Minister Jonathan Moyo.

Construction of the 220V-fence began in 2003, financed jointly by the Botswana government and the European Union, officially to prevent cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease in Zimbabwe from crossing into Botswana.

Botswana forcefully rejects suggestions that the fence is to keep out illegal Zimbabwean immigrants fleeing the economic ruin of their homeland.

This week, spokesperson for President Festus Mogae, Jeff Ramsay, told South Africa's News 24 that the fence was for agricultural purposes only, and referred queries to the agriculture ministry.

Deputy director in the department of animal health, Dr Philemon Motshu, confirmed that the fence would be switched on, but was unable to give a date, saying there had been technical hitches.

"There are a few technical problems in powering the fence. Tests have shown that the solar power is not as effective as was expected, so other ways of powering it are being explored," he said.

He added that there were problems with the fence even when it was not electrified.

"The fence is being cut by people and trampled upon by elephants," he explained.

Acting Zimbabwean high commissioner to Botswana, Takura Muranga, said the switching on of the fence had been "shrouded in secrecy".

"We do not have any latest developments about the fence. If they are to switch it on, they have not informed us officially," he said.

Botswana is economically stronger than Zimbabwe's other neighbours, Zambia and Mozambique, making it more attractive to illegal immigrants.

It's also easier to sneak into than South Africa. To get into South Africa, illegal immigrants have to cross the Limpopo River and risk getting eaten by crocodiles.
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