Less than 150km of Etosha fence upgrade completed

The environment ministry will upgrade the 824-kilometre Etosha National Park boundary fence, which spans the Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati, Otjozondjupa and Kunene regions. Environment minister Indileni Daniel said in her budget motivation that the boundary fence was initially built in the 1970s, but that some sections have deteriorated over time. Daniel said that since 2020, efforts have been underway to reconstruct the entire fence, with 147 kilometres completed and 677 kilometres remaining.She said that the ministry is using its resources and 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.Rehabilitation and maintenanceThe program provides for the development, rehabilitation and maintenance of critical infrastructure while ensuring that agreed standards, qualities and specifications are executed promptly for programmes, projects and related activities.According to her, planned projects under this programme for 2025/2026 include upgrading 214 kilometres of tourist road in Etosha from gravel to a low surface, seal 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,” Daniel said.Renovating staff houses and offices Furthermore, more than N$4.8 million has been allocated to support the construction, maintenance, and upgrading of park boundary fences within the conservation areas and water facilities within protected areas.This includes repairing and electrifying the elephant and predator-proof fence for the Kaross Section in Etosha National Park and procuring 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 through installed new borehole pumps in Etosha National Park and drilled and equipped a new borehole in Mahango National Park.She said that the ministry has made budgetary provisions to review and develop 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 2025-06-30

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Less than 150km of Etosha fence upgrade completed

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-30

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