OMUTHIYA – King Nehale Conservancy chairperson Fabian Venasiu said they are planning to turn the natural spring, situated outside the Etosha National Park, into a recreational area, partly to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

The spring falls within the boundaries of the King Nehale Conservancy area and the town of Omuthiya, and serves as a water-point for
animals, but it is also a popular spot for leisure activities.

Venasiu, in an interview with Nampa on Monday, said wild animals tend to avoid the spring when there are people in the area.

“People scare the wild animals away with their noise when they visit, and the animals go back to the park. This, however, means they get thirsty, so we plan to construct a waterhole for animals in the near future, and to turn the spring into a recreational area,” he said.

He, however, pointed out that the spring is not yet proclaimed as a recreational area.

“We are working on implementing rules and regulations to guide people when they visit the spring,” he noted.

Omuthiya mayor Johannes Ndeutepo also said the water from the spring has a high salt content, so it is not ideal for animals to consume; hence, the construction of a waterhole would be ideal.

“Wildebeest and cattle in the conservancy prefer rainwater, compared to the salty water in the spring,” said Ndeutepo, adding that the town council also plans to build a waterhole.

The natural spring is located 10 kilometres south of Omuthiya, and is located next to the Etosha National Park’s main road entrance. 

– Nampa