After the outbreak of FMD in the area in 2006, there were plans to erect an electric fence on the border with Zimbabwe but the decision was reversed in favour of intensified patrols. But Malema feels that the government should erect the fence. "We had wanted the electric fence to be erected because now we are in a state of despair. I plead with the government to consider this," he said.

Umbrella Village Development Committee chairman, William Mogale heaped praises on the government for reacting timely during the FMD outbreak. He said they are now able to sell their cattle to the Botswana Meat Commission though they have to quarantine them for 21 days. The banning of slaughter of cattle from Zone 7 that covers Selebi-Phikwe and Bobonong areas was lifted in June this year, following the successful control of FMD.

He was grateful about the construction of Mmamabaka border post, which will link Botswana with Zimbabwe.

Mogale however expressed concern that the government has failed to fulfil its promises.

He said they were promised seven kilometres of internal roads in Bobonong in 1994 but nothing has happened. In 1999, he said they were promised 14 kilometres of internal roads but they are still waiting. "As we speak, we have been told that 21 kilometres of internal roads will be upgraded but we are doubtful whether this time it is for real.

Promises must be fulfilled." The VDC chairman expressed concern that at some point, one contractor was engaged to test soils in Rasetimela ward but up to now, there has been no progress and this has halted plot allocations in the area.

Mogale said that during a meeting last year, villagers were told that phase one of the design for the construction of Thune dam would soon start but is has not happened. "Let us implement and make visible developments for people to see and appreciate and at the same time create employment for the local people," he said.

Meanwhile the Vice President Merafhe said the government is in the process of regularly meeting with the communities to share ideas, in a bid to ensure democracy through consultation. He thanked Babirwa for their cooperation with the government during the FMD outbreak. "We acknowledge that you were affected by the ban to sell to BMC because cattle rearing remains the mainstay of your economy. We have since implored law enforcement officials to intensify patrols along the Zimbabwean border to prevent possible recurrence of the disease outbreak," he said. Merafhe however expressed concern that since the ban was lifted in the Zone 7 veterinary area, only 900 cattle have been sold to BMC. He stated that this is a very low number considering that the area has large herds. "Make use of this opportune time to sell more of your cattle," he said.The VP noted that FMD has not been eradicated because there are people who continue to smuggle livestock to and from Zimbabwe despite government efforts to control the problem. He warned that the smugglers are inviting another disease outbreak and the government will keep a watchful eye on the situation. He noted that government was unable to erect an electric fence along the 400km border because it is very expensive and hence other measures like patrols have been introduced.