Floating bridge chokes Rundu tourism and river life – lodge owner
A floating bridge linking Rundu and Calai in Angola has become a thorn in the side of tourism operators and river users, nearly a decade after its construction, with some lodge owners warning of blocked boat traffic, ecological damage and worsening river pollution.
The bridge was built in 2014, with construction reportedly green-lit by the Angolan government.
Yet, despite alleged promises that it would be “temporary” and eventually replaced by a permanent structure, its impact has continued to frustrate locals and tourism stakeholders.
Tambuti Lodge manager Elizabeth Hilger, who spoke to Namibian Sun last Thursday, lamented the damage done to tourism and river ecosystems.
“They built this floating thing – but have they thought about the animals? The flow of the river? When we protested, they said it was temporary. But now, years later, nothing’s changed. And there’s rubbish everywhere,” she claimed.
Hilger pointed out that the bridge obstructs navigation for the many boats used by lodges, the police and tourists alike. “Even patrol boats can’t cross to the other side. We can’t take our guests to see the far banks. The river is no longer free for us.”
Make changes
She also raised concerns about pollution: “If you swim near the bridge today, you risk skin rashes. People living on that beach say the water is dirty, so dirty they wouldn’t even drink from it.”
Under Namibian law, including provisions within the Water Protection Act, such structures must not unreasonably block watercourses or impede ecological flow. But lodge owners argue that little has been done to enforce these regulations.
Hilger suggested a possible fix: “Why not lift it? Make it like the bridge in Zambezi that opens. Something more environment-friendly. Right now, it’s harming tourism, wildlife and people’s livelihoods.”
When Namibian Sun reached out for comment, Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka said he was hearing about this issue for the first time, despite claims that lodge operators have been raising complaints for years.
“If there is a real problem, they must bring documentation to my office. Then I’ll look into it,” he said, acknowledging that protesters have previously called out the bridge “for about three to four years.”
[email protected]
The bridge was built in 2014, with construction reportedly green-lit by the Angolan government.
Yet, despite alleged promises that it would be “temporary” and eventually replaced by a permanent structure, its impact has continued to frustrate locals and tourism stakeholders.
Tambuti Lodge manager Elizabeth Hilger, who spoke to Namibian Sun last Thursday, lamented the damage done to tourism and river ecosystems.
“They built this floating thing – but have they thought about the animals? The flow of the river? When we protested, they said it was temporary. But now, years later, nothing’s changed. And there’s rubbish everywhere,” she claimed.
Hilger pointed out that the bridge obstructs navigation for the many boats used by lodges, the police and tourists alike. “Even patrol boats can’t cross to the other side. We can’t take our guests to see the far banks. The river is no longer free for us.”
Make changes
She also raised concerns about pollution: “If you swim near the bridge today, you risk skin rashes. People living on that beach say the water is dirty, so dirty they wouldn’t even drink from it.”
Under Namibian law, including provisions within the Water Protection Act, such structures must not unreasonably block watercourses or impede ecological flow. But lodge owners argue that little has been done to enforce these regulations.
Hilger suggested a possible fix: “Why not lift it? Make it like the bridge in Zambezi that opens. Something more environment-friendly. Right now, it’s harming tourism, wildlife and people’s livelihoods.”
When Namibian Sun reached out for comment, Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka said he was hearing about this issue for the first time, despite claims that lodge operators have been raising complaints for years.
“If there is a real problem, they must bring documentation to my office. Then I’ll look into it,” he said, acknowledging that protesters have previously called out the bridge “for about three to four years.”
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article