Ongwediva
Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism Tommy Nambahu on Monday assured staff at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism that the ministry would prioritise the safety of staff members by upgrading their current run-down shelters.
According to Nambahu, many staff members within the ministry of environment live in dilapidated temporary shelters that expose them to a number of risks, including wildlife, which can often be observed roaming around their temporary shelters.
“Safety is important, there are no excuses. We know there are no resources, but we can do better than that. It is as if we do not recognise the work being done by these people,” said Nambahu, who said plainly that he was shocked by some of the accommodation facilities.
Currently, staff members are allegedly prohibited from putting up their own structures – a situation Nambahu said should be investigated. Nambahu further noted in instances where there are no alternative resources, able-bodied staff should not be prevented to put up their own structures.
Nambahu applauded ministry staff for striving for success, despite the challenges they face: “I want to recognise you for putting your lives on the line and for confronting those who are doing illegal things to sabotage our economy.”
Nambahu also used the opportunity to encourage the civil servants to work as a team and identify opportunities and activities that would attract tourists to invest in the local authorities. The deputy minister also encouraged the staff to educate the general public on environmental cleanliness as a means to attract tourists.
Speaking at Ongwediva during a familiarisation meeting on Monday, Nambahu said gone are the days when civil servants continue to live in old South African defence camps (kimbos) and temporary structures. He said a conducive working and living environment contributes to raising staff morale and job satisfaction, which are key to achieving the ministry’s objectives.