This is according to Wepener farmer Roelf Jacobs. The dam is situated between Wepener and Smithfield in the Riet Spruit flowing into the Caledon River. Jacobs said the land around the dam is being rented out illegally to local livestock owners and even Lesotho citizens. “The land was transferred by government to the Wepener community in 2002/2003 and was earmarked specifically for tourism.
An article 21 company comprising community members took ownership, but nobody is taking responsibility for the situation now,” said Jacobs. The property, which includes bungalows, conference facilities and infrastructure, is falling apart, he said.
The large numbers of cattle, sheep, goats and horses result in overgrazing and livestock deaths. Jacobs is particularly concerned about the animal carcasses and manure that end up in the dam and the impact on the water quality.
Farmer Kobus Oosthuizen said grazing in the affected areas has been destroyed. Farmers next to the dam have to cope with the starving animals breaking through to their land. They also fear possible transmission of animal diseases. The animals also wander to the main roads in the vicinity and have caused numerous road accidents. “I shudder to think what will happen if some of the very inferior bulls get to our cattle herds. This situation simply can’t be allowed to continue. Somebody must take responsibility,” he said.
After numerous phone calls and messages, Farmer’s Weekly was unable to get reaction from Bloem Water CEO Benny Malakoane.
