27 new boreholes to curb human-wildlife clashes in Kavango
Better water infrastructure could save lives
More than 20 people have reportedly been killed by wildlife in the Zambezi Region's Judea Lyaboloma constituency this year alone.
President Nangolo Mbumba has announced the establishment of 27 new boreholes across the Kavango West region’s six constituencies in a bid to tackle water scarcity and human-wildlife conflict.
Additionally, two traditional wells in Mpungu constituency have been upgraded to relieve communities grappling with these persistent challenges.
Speaking at a Swapo rally in Mupini over the weekend, Mbumba highlighted the party's efforts to improve living conditions in the region, one of the country’s youngest regions.
Deadly consequences
In the Zambezi Region’s Judea Lyaboloma constituency, over 20 people reportedly died this year while fetching water from high-risk wildlife areas.
Mashi conservancy manager Richard Mukube confirmed that residents are being forced to fetch water at crocodile- and hippo-inhabited rivers due to the lack of boreholes and pipelines.
“Without safe water sources, people risk their lives daily,” constituency councillor Humphrey Divai said, citing encounters with elephants and hippos as common threats.
“If we had boreholes and proper pipelines, people wouldn’t have to risk their lives by going to the river,” he said.
Danger
Earlier this year, Namibian Sun reported on growing dangers along the Kavango River, where a surge in crocodile and hippo attacks has left communities on edge.
The issue has sparked debate, with historian and University of Namibia lecturer Shampapi Shiremo questioning whether government policies effectively balance conservation and community safety.
“Are conservation policies benefitting the people who live along the Kavango River? Or are they prioritising wildlife, like hippos and crocodiles, over human lives?” Shiremo asked.
He warned that unchecked wildlife populations could escalate conflicts, fuel negative public perceptions and even create political and legal repercussions.
Promises
Over the weekend, Mbumba emphasised Swapo’s commitment to development in Kavango West. He highlighted recent milestones such as the expansion of the milling plant at Katwitwi, now supplying maize meals for the national drought relief programme, benefitting over 31 000 households.
"We are committed to ensuring that all our green schemes in both Kavango East and Kavango West regions can be the bread basket of our country," Mbumba said.
On education, he applauded the region’s top-five performance in national grade 11 and 12 exams. “This is a major achievement,” he said, adding that three new schools, including Nkurenkuru Senior Secondary School, have been built, with a hostel under construction.
Under Swapo’s rural electrification programme, nine schools and several localities in Kavango West have been connected to the grid. Mbumba noted progress in electrifying Tondoro village as well.
In sports development, he revealed plans for a soccer field and three multi-purpose courts to empower the youth and foster unity.
"Under Swapo, all Namibians are treated equally and protected by the rule of law and enjoy fundamental human rights, including the right to work, expression and association," he said.
[email protected]
#NamibiaDecides2024
Additionally, two traditional wells in Mpungu constituency have been upgraded to relieve communities grappling with these persistent challenges.
Speaking at a Swapo rally in Mupini over the weekend, Mbumba highlighted the party's efforts to improve living conditions in the region, one of the country’s youngest regions.
Deadly consequences
In the Zambezi Region’s Judea Lyaboloma constituency, over 20 people reportedly died this year while fetching water from high-risk wildlife areas.
Mashi conservancy manager Richard Mukube confirmed that residents are being forced to fetch water at crocodile- and hippo-inhabited rivers due to the lack of boreholes and pipelines.
“Without safe water sources, people risk their lives daily,” constituency councillor Humphrey Divai said, citing encounters with elephants and hippos as common threats.
“If we had boreholes and proper pipelines, people wouldn’t have to risk their lives by going to the river,” he said.
Danger
Earlier this year, Namibian Sun reported on growing dangers along the Kavango River, where a surge in crocodile and hippo attacks has left communities on edge.
The issue has sparked debate, with historian and University of Namibia lecturer Shampapi Shiremo questioning whether government policies effectively balance conservation and community safety.
“Are conservation policies benefitting the people who live along the Kavango River? Or are they prioritising wildlife, like hippos and crocodiles, over human lives?” Shiremo asked.
He warned that unchecked wildlife populations could escalate conflicts, fuel negative public perceptions and even create political and legal repercussions.
Promises
Over the weekend, Mbumba emphasised Swapo’s commitment to development in Kavango West. He highlighted recent milestones such as the expansion of the milling plant at Katwitwi, now supplying maize meals for the national drought relief programme, benefitting over 31 000 households.
"We are committed to ensuring that all our green schemes in both Kavango East and Kavango West regions can be the bread basket of our country," Mbumba said.
On education, he applauded the region’s top-five performance in national grade 11 and 12 exams. “This is a major achievement,” he said, adding that three new schools, including Nkurenkuru Senior Secondary School, have been built, with a hostel under construction.
Under Swapo’s rural electrification programme, nine schools and several localities in Kavango West have been connected to the grid. Mbumba noted progress in electrifying Tondoro village as well.
In sports development, he revealed plans for a soccer field and three multi-purpose courts to empower the youth and foster unity.
"Under Swapo, all Namibians are treated equally and protected by the rule of law and enjoy fundamental human rights, including the right to work, expression and association," he said.
[email protected]
#NamibiaDecides2024
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article