Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has announced that its recent interventions to rescue hippos stranded in the Salambala Conservancy have been highly successful.
Romeo Muyunda, the Public Relations Officer within the ministry, said that the ongoing drought had caused the pond where the hippos lived to dry up significantly, leaving only mud.
“In May 2024, the situation was deemed critical and required immediate action. The Ministry committed to resolving the crisis and has taken several significant steps. Our latest effort involved procuring a high-capacity water pump and generator, valued at N$66,531. The pump, which delivers 18,000 litres per hour, was installed in June. Since its installation, water levels in the pond have risen, providing much-needed relief and hope for the hippos’ survival,” Muyunda said.
He added that the ministry’s goal is to maintain sufficient water levels in the pond until the next rainy season.
“This new pump replaces a smaller unit purchased in April, which had limited effectiveness. Additionally, the Ministry has installed a solar-powered system to complement the generator, ensuring water is pumped during daylight hours. We have also supplied over 2,600 litres of fuel to Salambala Conservancy staff responsible for operating the pump. These efforts highlight the Ministry’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the crucial role it plays in the social and economic advancement of communities, particularly in communal areas.”
While the situation is improving, Muyunda said they will continue to monitor it closely and take appropriate measures as needed. He also reported that there have been no mortalities among the hippos to date, and the pond remains an essential source of drinking water for both wildlife and livestock in the region.
“The Ministry remains dedicated to addressing conservation challenges and advancing benefits for all citizens,” Muyunda concluded.
Picture for illustrative purposes only.
