Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has taken another step towards enhancing the infrastructure of Etosha National Park by commissioning a new state-of-the-art road grader.
The grader, valued at N$5 million, was procured through the Game Product Trust Fund and inaugurated by Theofilus Nghitila, the Executive Director of the MEFT.
During the commissioning ceremony, Nghitila stressed the importance of maintaining the park’s roads, especially as Namibia’s high tourist season approaches.
He said that the new grader will significantly improve the condition of tourist roads, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
“This grader marks the beginning of renewed efforts by the Ministry to gradually improve the infrastructure of our National Parks for the benefit of all visitors,” he said.
According to Nghitila, the grader will play a vital role in the general management of the park in addition to road maintenance.
“It will help maintain access routes for park administrators, water points for animals, and fire breaks, contributing to the overall efficiency of park operations,” he said.
Nghitila also said that the ministry plans to procure more heavy equipment when resources become available.
According to Nghitila, the funding for the grader was sourced from conservation fees and park entry fees collected since 2021, which were reinvested to improve the capacity and user-friendliness of Namibia’s National Parks.
This recent development follows a previous initiative where ordinary Namibians rallied together to raise funds to sponsor a grader for Etosha in an optimistic display of community spirit.
The grassroots effort was driven by the need to improve the quality of roads within the park, ensuring safer and more enjoyable access for both tourists and park officials.
The collective action by Namibians not only highlighted their commitment to preserving their natural heritage but also stressed the power of community-driven conservation efforts.
Nghitila said that the new grader and the continued investments in Etosha National Park’s infrastructure are a demonstration of Namibia’s dedication to maintaining its status as a premier tourist destination and a model for conservation in Africa.
