By George Mponda
Karonga, November 27, Mana: Traditional chiefs and Karonga District Council officials have joined forces to impound stray cattle found roaming the streets of Karonga Town in a move to boost sanitation and public safety,
In an interview with Malawi News Agency Wednesday, Group Village Head (GVH) Mwahimba said for some long time traders, customers and residents around Karonga Town have been complaining of the cattle which were just loitering around.
"In a collaborative effort, together with GVH Katolola, GVH Mweniyumba, and the ward councillor, we formulated new bylaws stating that any cow found roaming in town will be impounded, and owners must pay a K50,000 fee for its return."
"To this end, before commencing this operation we went around informing residents about the development and yesterday, we managed to impound over 100 cattle which are being kept at the Main Market Slaughterhouse and some owners have already come to get their livestock," Mwahimba said.
The GVH explained that since the individuals impounding the cattle are doing this on a voluntary basis, some of the money from the fines will be used as an upkeep allowance for them.
On her part, Tereza Mhango from Luhimbo Village who had her cow impounded said she will now be tethering it to ensure she is not fined anymore.
"I left my cow with a herdsman but he just let it run around and thats when it was brought here. I have paid K50 000 of my hard earned money to get it back and I have learnt a bitter lesson from this," he said.
Karonga Main Market Chairperson, Godwin Ghambi expressed frustration that despite repeated warnings, cattle owners have ignored pleas to keep their cattle from roaming freely, leaving authorities with no choice but to take action.
"Cows were eating vegetables on sale, obstructing traffick and defecating anywhere leaving a pungent smell around Karonga Town. If people cannot manage to keep their cattle responsibly around town, then it is better to send the cows to the village where they can roam freely without causing havoc," he said.
