Beitbridge proposes to charge cattle buyers

Zim Now Writer

Beitbridge Rural District Council has submitted 41 draft by-laws to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for approval, which include a proposed a 7,5 percent levy on cattle bought from the district.

Beitbridge lies in Matabeleland South Province, one of the country’s prime cattle ranching areas.

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

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

One of the draft by-laws Beitbridge RDC has proposed, is the one on burning of vegetation and prevention of fire.

The RDC says any person who wants to burn vegetation is required to give notice to traditional leaders, environmental sub-committees and occupiers of adjoining land and to a police officer at the nearest 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 landowner, 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 by-law.