Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO City Council has raised concern over the increasing number of cattle and donkeys straying into the city resulting in some road accidents.
In an interview, Masvingo Mayor Councillor Hubert Fidze said some of the road accidents caused by stray animals have been serious.
“I have received complaints pertaining to the issue of cattle and in some instances donkeys that stray into the city especially residential areas. The situation is no longer healthy for our residents as most have complained that their gardens have been ravaged and the cattle are causing accidents, some of them fatal on our roads,” said Cllr Fidze.
The mayor said while council was not directly responsible for controlling stray animals, city fathers have resolved to engage relevant authorities to help deal with the matter.
“We cannot be directly involved in controlling stray animals into the city but we have our stakeholders like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Department of Veterinary Services who can assist us in making sure these cattle are not seen in the city,” he said.
Masvingo Beef Association chairman Mr Robert Makado said cattle are found in the city because of the El Nino-induced drought which has seen the depletion of pastures and drying up of water sources.
He said the animals follow Mucheke and Shakashe rivers and end up going into the city.
“We all agree with city fathers that straying cattle are now a menace in our city but the reason is to do with the drought more than anything else.
Cattle will always follow where there are pastures and drinking water given that the drought has affected the availability of pastures and water sources,” said Mr Makado.
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