Less than 150km of Etosha fence upgrade completed

A key initiative for the environment ministry this financial year is the upgrade of the Etosha National Park boundary fence, a 824km perimeter spanning the Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati, Otjozondjupa and Kunene regions. Environment minister Indileni Daniel said in her budget motivation that the boundary fence was originally built in the 1970s, but that sections have deteriorated over time. She said that since 2020 efforts have been underway by the ministry to reconstruct the entire fence, with 147 kilometers completed and 677 kilometers remaining. Daniel said that the ministry is utilising its own resources along with its staff members, personnel from the National Youth Service, and community representatives, to advance this project.She said that the Infrastructure Development and Maintenance Programme has been allocated N$33.7 million and is central in ensuring effective delivery of the ministry’s mandate.The program provides for the development, rehabilitation and maintenance of critical infrastructure, while also ensuring that programmes, projects and related activities are timely executed by agreed standards, qualities and specifications.According to her for planned projects under this programme for the financial year 2025/2026 include the upgrading of 214 km of tourist road in Etosha from gravel to a lowseal volume from Okaukuejo-King Nehale Gate via Namutoni, including Halali detour.This is possible with a financial contribution from the Roads Administration Fund. “Similarly, this provides for the upgrade of tourist roads in Sesriem, Namib-Naukluft Park.”Furthermore, more than N$4.8 million has been allocated to support the construction, maintenance, and upgrading of park boundary fences within the ConservationAreas and water facilities within protected areas.This includes the repair and electrification of repair and electrification of the elephant and predator-proof fence for the Kaross Section in Etosha National Park and the procurement of fencing materials for Etosha National Park and Mahango National Park.The programme further provides N$42 million for the renovation of the ministry headquarters and several regional offices and staff houses to ensure operational excellence. These include the renovation of staff houses and offices at Hardap Game Park, Namutoni, Keetmanshoop, Karasberg, Orandjemund office, Kanovlei and Ngoma.Daniel said this will also include the restoration of the water supply to Galton Gate throughinstallation of new borehole pumps in Etosha National Park and drilling and equipping a new borehole in Mahango National Park.She said that the ministry has equally made budgetary provision towards the review and Development of the Namibia Tourism Information Management System.A further N$5.29 million has been allocated toward basic infrastructure for sewer, water and electricity networks and ablution facilities for the Etotha Carnival at Kangonde Pan, Oshikoto Region to ensure hygiene and safety of visitors at the pan.

Less than 150km of Etosha fence upgrade completed

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-21

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Less than 150km of Etosha fence upgrade completed

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-21

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