TSINSTABIS – A San community tourism project meant to attract tourists to Tsintsabis is facing the possibility of becoming a white elephant, unless the tourism ministry acts fast to find new contractors to complete the construction of hospitality establishments.
The project, called Tree Sleepers, features incomplete structures that are meant to be sleeping quarters and general recreational facilities for tourists. Tsintsabis is situated 62 kilometres east of Tsumeb in the Oshikoto Region. A squabble between contractors and the tourism ministry has left many of the structures incomplete according to Tree Sleepers manager Moses // Khumub. “Sometimes tourists show up and turn around at the mere sight of the place. Since 2008 the number of tourists coming to Tree Sleepers has dropped substantially. The tourism, number of employees has also been slashed to six from over eighteen,” said //Khumub, adding that it is only the determination of the San people, which is keeping the project going.
“During tough times employees go up to six months without pay, some continue to work and rely on family members for food and support. Here surviving means just eating porridge with no meat, most times having breakfast or three meals is a luxury most cannot afford” said //Khumub.
According to //Khumub the perception that the San people cannot prosper and always need hand outs is a lie as made obvious by the determination of the San involved in the Tree Sleeper project, who continue working to keep the place running even though they are not getting paid. When there is money employees can get as little as N$500 a month. “This is below the minimum wage and yet many of us carry on. Sometimes during the hard times some start working at nearby farms to make ends meet and when we start up again they are here to assist,” he said. Tree Sleepers is supposed to offer nature walks, lodging, as well as the experience of living with the San. “In its glory days more than 700 tourists would visit this facility on their way to Etosha or the Zambezi Region. Between 2008 and 2012 Tree Sleepers provided employment to more than 18 locals,” explained //Khumub.
By John Travolter Matali