ONGWEDIVA – The environment and tourism ministry will inaugurate new light infrastructure, a solid waste management facility and Wildlife Protection Service (WPS) duty stations at Etosha National Park later this month.

The event is slated for 28 March.
Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula said the inauguration ceremony will take place at Ombika Soccer Field inside the park.
Hangula said the inauguration marks an important step in strengthening wildlife protection and improving waste management in one of Namibia’s most important national parks.

The official inauguration will be led by the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, together with the German ambassador to Namibia, Thorsten Hutter, the Director General of the National Planning Commission, Kaire Mbuende and the Namibia Country Director of KfW Development Bank, Beatrice Lucke, Hangula said.
The spokesperson said the inauguration of the WPS duty stations will help improve the work of rangers who protect animals inside the park.

The new stations will provide rangers with proper places where they can stay and operate while carrying out patrols in different areas of the park.
This will help rangers respond faster to illegal activities such as poaching and help them monitor wildlife more effectively.

“Protecting wildlife is important because animals such as elephants, rhinos and lions are part of Namibia’s natural heritage and attract many tourists every year,” he said.
Adding that tourism plays an important role in the country’s economy because it creates jobs and supports local businesses.
Hangula also said the new solid waste management facility will help manage rubbish produced by visitors and staff inside the park.

“Waste such as plastic bottles, cans, paper and food leftovers will be collected and sorted properly.”
He further said proper waste management helps keep the park clean and protects wildlife from harmful materials.

Explaining that animals can become sick or injured if they eat plastic or other dangerous waste.

Hangula added that managing waste properly also protects the environment and helps maintain the natural beauty of Etosha National Park.

– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na