Hunger, thirst push victims into croc-infested waters

The Kavango West Regional Council’s chairperson Josef Sikondo says residents of the region do not fall victim to crocodile and hippo attacks by choice but out of desperation, as they rely on the river for water and fish to survive.Sikondo made these remarks on Wednesday during a planning meeting for the Kavango West Regional Council’s 2025-2031 strategic plan in Rundu."Due to crocodile attacks resulting from a lack of access to potable water, those who hear about us but do not know us may wonder why people are always at the river when they hear of an attack. They do not realise that the river is not just a source of water; it is also where people fish for their livelihood," he said."Even if we provide tents at their doorsteps, people cannot catch fish in a tent, they will still go to the river to fish," Sikondo added. "Similarly, those living in Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, where sea creatures are known to exist, still swim in the ocean and frequent the seaside. Our situation is no different. Every year, crocodile attacks occur due to the competition between the community and these animals for resources," he stressed. Just last month, Damian Haikera (22) survived a crocodile attack at Kafuma village in Kavango West, according to a police report. The attack occurred in the afternoon when Haikera went to the river to bathe.Government supportAs water levels in the Kavango River rise, residents in both Kavango East and Kavango West have been urged to exercise extreme caution, as crocodile and hippo attacks continue to claim lives.The environment ministry recently revealed that it has recorded five human fatalities and six injuries from crocodile attacks in the two regions between January 2024 and February this year. Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda revealed that the government has paid out N$680 000 in compensation to victims of human-crocodile conflicts since last year. Families of deceased victims receive N$100 000, those who survive with permanent disabilities get N$30 000 and victims who lose body parts are compensated N$15 000.Muyunda identified Ndonga Linena, Katondo, Kayova and Mayara as high-risk areas, noting that activities such as bathing, fishing and swimming near riverbanks significantly increase the risk of attacks.To mitigate human-wildlife conflict, the ministry has launched several initiatives, including community awareness campaigns and engagement in conflict resolution efforts. Additionally, boreholes have been drilled in affected areas to provide alternative water sources and reduce human-wildlife competition.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Hunger, thirst push victims into croc-infested waters

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-14

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Hunger, thirst push victims into croc-infested waters

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-14

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