The department of agriculture in Qacha’snek is to embark in land reclamation activities at Ha Mosuoue/Ha T’sepiso and Tebellong catchment’s areas from next month.

            The district agricultural officer, Mr Tlali Lekhela has cited these activities as range improvement, waterway construction, rock structures and dam construction and they are estimated to cost over M600 000 when completed.

            He said the aim is to address the problem of land degradation through soil and water conservation measures.

            “We also intend to address unemployment and poverty, since people from the concerned areas, who are aged 18 and above would be employed at the project”, he added.

            Mr Lekhela stated that the workers would be paid at a rate of M23 a day and they are expected to work for 20 days each on a rotational basis.

            He indicated that, since the three villages are pilot areas other villagers would be expected to copy and embark in soil and water conservation projects in their own villages.

            However, some members of the community in Qacha’snek have observed that unless the public see the importance of participating in environmental protection activities without payment, there would be no progress.

            Mrs ‘Manteboheleng Tefelo said the project would be more essential if farmers and herders can be equipped with skills on proper farming methods to avoid soil erosion.

            Meanwhile, despite several efforts undertaken to protect the environment through donga rehabilitation and tree planting by the youth, public servants and the community, many areas are still eroded in Qacha’snek.