Agri offices shut in Cofimvaba over unsafe building

The department of agriculture offices in Cofimvaba have been closed due to poor condition of the building.

The staff is working from home and that is making local farmers suffer as the towns economy is built around the agricultural sector.

One of the concerned residents Zanemvula Deliwe said the department of agriculture has been operating in the rented house from 1994 they were always promised by the provincial department to build offices but all attempts failed.

“The group of farmers approached the portfolio committee in the National Assembly and it promised also to make a follow up to the complaint but nothing was done, the offices are still closed,” he said.

Deliwe said currently this affects the rural farmers as it is difficult to get assistance.

“The government has failed as it does not know the importance of agriculture. We feel that this badly affects the rural economy,” he said.

Chris Hani region MK Party member Zukile Mbotoloshi said they are not happy with the situation of the department of agriculture in Cofimvaba.

“The challenges facing the workers led to the closure of the offices and as a result the agricultural sector is suffering from the closure of the offices. We call on the government to build offices so that the poor of their poorest don’t suffer and spend a lot of money on traveling in order to get services,” he said.

He said they demand that government builds offices in Cofimvaba for the development of Chris Hani District.

The department of agriculture spokesperson Athule Joka confirmed that the Cofimvaba offices are closed.

He said the Department of Agriculture Cofimvaba offices are currently closed due to the poor condition of the building, which is under the custodianship of the Department of Public Works.

“The closure was necessary to ensure the safety of both officials and clients. The department remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted services while a permanent solution is finalised,” said Joka.

Joka said: “The building is under the custodianship of the Department of Public Works and attempts by the department to request Public Works to provide alternative offices failed. The department is looking for alternative offices and discussions with Intsika Yethu Municipality to secure offices are at an advanced stage.”

He said the department has organized alternative offices in Qamata and Tsomo to service the Cofimvaba farmers.

“The Cofimvaba agricultural officers shared their contact details with the farmers for continued service.The Cofimvaba agricultural officers conduct information days, awareness sessions, one-on ones and demonstrations in the respective Cofimvaba wards to provide extension services to farmers,” he said.

He said in the meantime, alternative offices have been arranged in Qamata and Tsomo to service Cofimvaba farmers.

“In addition, agricultural extension and advisory officers continue to provide services directly in communities through visits. Officers have also shared their contact details with farmers to ensure ongoing support,” Joka said.

According to Joka, engagements with Public Works to renovate the building or provide alternative accommodation, were unsuccessful.

“As a result, the department is now working with Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, and discussions to secure alternative offices in Cofimvaba are at an advanced stage,” he said.