Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Government is set to carry out an on-the-ground assessment to determine the extent of wildlife losses following the recent devastating fire that raged for several days in Etosha National Park and the surrounding areas.
“An on-the-ground assessment will soon be undertaken to determine the extent of wildlife losses as well as the cause of the fire. Given that Etosha National Park is Namibia’s number one tourist destination and a vital national heritage site, Government is committed to doing everything possible to protect it from the devastating effects of wildfires,” said the Prime Minister, Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare.
The Prime Minister made these remarks recently in Parliament, where he was speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Ngurare expressed concern about the fire’s impact on affected communities, the environment, and the tourism industry. He noted that steps would be taken to enhance the country’s wildfire response mechanisms and reduce reaction times.
“The scale and urgency of this matter have required Government to respond in an integrated and comprehensive manner. Our immediate priorities are to minimise damage to Etosha National Park, safeguard its role in biodiversity conservation and tourism, and protect the livelihoods and property of farmers and rural communities. Although the fire has caused significant damage to grazing land within the park and the surrounding areas, I am relieved to report that no human casualties have been recorded to date,” he added.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and civilians who fought tirelessly for days to bring the fire under control.
“A total of 311 members of the Namibian Defence Force have been dispatched to Etosha National Park to join 150 officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in fighting the fire. I am pleased to report that the situation inside the park has largely been brought under control, with most of the fire fronts contained,” Ngurare revealed.
Outside the park, the Prime Minister highlighted that a total of 136 NDF members had been deployed in the Omusati and Oshana Regions, with an additional 90 deployed on Tuesday. He added that they were working alongside 45 officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
“Progress has been made, and I am thankful to report to this August House that all fires have been extinguished inside and outside the park. Some affected areas have been severely damaged, but as I speak, the fires are no longer active and all areas are being closely monitored. As of 14:00 today, the areas affected outside the park are: Ombonde, where 45 NDF, MEFT members and community members have been dispatched to assist. Another fire has been detected at Onoolongo and Onambadje, which is small and is being monitored accordingly. Within Etosha National Park, one active fire has been observed and a team has been dispatched to attend to it,” he added.
Ngurare further highlighted that the Government has also deployed aerial support, including helicopters, and has reinforced firebreaks through grading and cut-lines. He added that firefighting teams on the ground are being supplied with food, equipment, and medical support, including a mobile clinic for emergencies and exhaustion cases.
“It is in times of devastating disasters like these that one witnesses the seamless resilience of a nation — putting aside political and social differences and coming together to confront head-on what threatens its national interest. Etosha National Park is one of the lifeblood arteries of our tourism industry. We cannot afford to see it go up in flames. No resources should be spared to protect such vital arteries,” the Prime Minister added.
