OKOMBAHE – Residents of Ozondati settlement in the Erongo Region live in fear of their lives due to the frequent invasion of the settlement by marauding elephants.
The Daures constituency in which the village of Ozondati is situated has a population of roughly 700 to 800 residents and the elephants from the Kunene Region enter the constituency at unfenced places in the area of Khorixas. Speaking at Okombahe last Thursday Daures constituency councillor, Ernst Katjiku, said the frequent elephant visits are angering residents, including farmers, who now want the situation to be addressed by their leaders before the giant beasts kill someone.
Shocked residents said last Wednesday about 30 elephants invaded their settlement searching for drinking water at water holes close to the settlement. Ozondati is situated about 40 kilometres from Omatjete in the Erongo Region and about 100 kilometres from Omaruru and is frequently invaded by elephants.
Those who’ve had close encounters with the elephants abandon their stock and flee for safety. “We have to remain indoors the whole time as the elephants destroy everything in their path while searching for water and food,” one resident said. According to Katjiku, the invasion of elephants in the constituency is a growing concern, since the elephants not only destroy vegetation in the area but also deplete the scarce water resources meant for livestock. “The farmers are already affected by the drought and the area also lost a considerable amount of grazing due to veld fires,” he explained. He revealed they have already consulted the relevant authorities to collectively address the elephant problem so that the terror-stricken community can finally have peace of mind.
Governor of the Erongo Region Cleophas Mutjavikua also acknowledged the problem. “We will do everything in our power to find a solution as our people cannot be tormented by elephants any longer.” He promised residents the matter would be dealt with.
In April last year, some 70 elephants roamed the area, damaging farm infrastructure as well as terrifying residents, which inevitably led to the heightening of human/wildlife conflict.
Eveline de Klerk