Milk Afric project finally gets pumping
Friday, May 10, 2024 | 1780 Views |
Taking off: Production has finally begun at Milk Afric with the procurement of dairy cattle and installation of key equipment PIC: GETTY IMAGES
This week, the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) revealed it has purchased 220 cattle comprising 170 dairy cows and 50 heifers from a local dairy farmer operating in Pitsane. However, the Corporation is still housing the cows at the Pitsane farm while the Milk Afric parlour is nearing completion. BDC Managing Director, Cross Kgosidiile, said implementation of the parlour is underway and expected to wet commission this month (May). The wet commissioning will result in the relocation of the cows to the Milk Afric facilities where production will be held.
“As part of the preparatory phase for operational commencement, the project recently completed a seamless dry commissioning process. “This involved comprehensive testing of the milking equipment by the manufacturer. “Successful completion of this phase will pave the way for further testing of the milking parlour with live cows,” Kgosidiile said.
When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...