ZIMBABWE owes Botswana US$800 000 for vaccines supplied by its neighbour to help control the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) two years ago. While Gaborone had previously provided Harare with FMD vaccines for free, there was a consignment worth US$800 000 which had to be paid for.

Because of the prevailing cash crisis, Zimbabwe has been unable to pay for the consignment. This was revealed by Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister Paddy Zhanda.

“The first round of vaccinations should have been done last month, but there is no money and we also owe Bostwana US$800 000 for vaccines provided two years ago,” he said.

Zimbabwe is yet to begin its vaccination programme for FMD, with lack of funding emerging as the biggest hindrance.