Ellen Mlambo

TWO NATIONS

BEITBRIDGE – Beitbridge which is one of biggest cattle ranching districts in the country has proposed a 7, 5% levy on cattle bought from the district.

This is according to a plethora of draft by-laws that Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC) has submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for consideration for approval.

In addition to the levy, buyers of cattle from Beitbridge will be required to get a permit from the local authority, Police and then Veterinary Services before clearance.

The 7,5% is structured as follows; 3,5% goes to the local authority, 2,5% to the owner and 1,5% percent to the auctioneer.

Among the 41 draft by-laws Beitbridge RDC proposed, is the burning of vegetation and prevention of fire by-law.

Under that by-law any person who wants to burn vegetation will need to give notice to traditional leaders, environmental sub-committees and occupiers of adjoining land and to a Police officer at the nearest convenient Police station.

“No person in the council area shall burn growing or standing vegetation on any land without lodging a notice of intention to burn to council, traditional leaders, environmental subcommittees and occupiers of adjoining land and to a Police officer at the nearest Police station.

“Every land owner, user or occupier who intends to burn vegetation or whose land is susceptible to perennial fires shall put in place adequate fire protection measures before the 31st of July each year,” reads the draft bylaw

Beitbridge RDC vice chairperson and Ward 13 Councillor Sibongile Chauke said the by-laws are important in regulating the operations of the local authority.

Chief Sitaudze said the by-laws will assist in maintaining order in the community and controlling residents.

He proposed stiff penalties to perpetrators so that crime rate can be minimised.