By Wezi Tjaronda
NAMUTONI
President Hifikepunye Pohamba has urged Namibians to harness the potential of the country’s most valuable assets for their benefit.
He said this on Friday when he presided over the Etosha National Park centenary celebrations and launch of Namibia Wildlife Resorts’ three refurbished camps.
The President said the parks were the country’s national treasures with tremendous potential to become the country’s engine for economic development.
“They generate direct income through park fees and tourism activities. In this way, they command a significant proportion of income generated by tourism in our county,” he said.
The three camps were renovated to bring them in line with latest trends in the industry, while the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has revamped gates, roads and signage, fences and waterholes to improve the visitors’ experience.
Cabinet last year approved NWR’s proposal to improve all its facilities. Priority was, however, given to the three camps in the Etosha National Park to coincide with the centenary celebrations.
Pohamba said the investments were being made to secure economic returns and development, in line with Namibia’s development goals.
The event, held at Namutoni Fort (one of the three resorts in the park), was attended by over 1???_?_’???_?’???_???