Stop killing the birds - Irimari

ILENI NANDJATO



Good rainfall in the north has attracted a rare species of bird that locals have started killing.

Oshana governor Elia Irimari has now urged the public to stop the illegal hunting of water birds and the fishing of premature fish.

Irimari said water birds are important for the control of worms that destroy crops, and once killed, it will be difficult for farmers when the worms attack their crops. He also said the fish are still young and must mature and breed before they can be fished in large quantities.

He made these remarks after people were observed in scattered oshanas in the region hunting the water birds and fishing.

“People must not play in water. They must stop hunting the birds. Those birds are useful in a situation when there are worms which destroy crops. The fish are still small and they must be allowed to reach every corner of the country. People must remove their nets and give them time to mature,” said Irimari.

The region has received good rainfall during December and January. All water catchments are full while the oshanas are covered with long grass.

This relief has also brought the water birds many have not seen in many years due to reduced rainfall, while the water flow in the Cuvelai streams has also brought some fish.

Irimari called on the authorities to act accordingly to ensure that the natural resources are protected.

“Nature conservation and the ministry of fisheries must act to protect these resources across the region. The law enforcement agencies must also assist where they can. The time is coming when these resources will be shared by everyone,” he said.