President Netumbo has assured the nation that the government will spare no resources in protecting Etosha National Park and the surrounding communities from the devastating impact of wildfires.
Delivering her statement through Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed that the blazes which erupted on 22 and 24 September have now been contained inside and outside the park, though some areas suffered severe grazing losses.
“Our immediate priorities are to minimise damage to the Etosha National Park, safeguard its role in biodiversity conservation and tourism, and protect the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah, adding that no human casualties have been recorded.
A coordinated national response was deployed, with 311 members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and 150 officials from the environment and tourism ministry, fighting fires inside Etosha, while more than 220 NDF troops and 45 ministry officials tackled outbreaks in the Omusati and Oshana regions.
Three operational bases were established at Omutambogwomawe, Amarika, and Onoolongo to reinforce efforts, supported by military vehicles, water bowsers, helicopters, and firebreak construction.
Despite challenges such as strong winds, dry vegetation and vehicle breakdowns, Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the dedication of all responders.
“I wholeheartedly take off my hat for all those men and women in uniform, and all civilians who risked their lives to put out these fires. Your efforts and personal sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. You deserve our boundless respect and honour.”
She also commended the solidarity shown by neighbouring farmers, private sector partners, NGOs, and surrounding communities.
While a final assessment of wildlife losses and environmental damage is still pending, no human casualty has been recorded to date.
An on-the-ground assessment will soon be undertaken to determine the extent of wildlife losses as well as the cause of the fire, she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored the significance of Etosha as Namibia’s premier tourist destination and “a vital national heritage that must be protected at all costs.”
She urged Namibians to remain calm and united, assuring the public that the Government will continue to enhance preparedness and response capacity against wildfires.
Delivering her statement through Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed that the blazes which erupted on 22 and 24 September have now been contained inside and outside the park, though some areas suffered severe grazing losses.
“Our immediate priorities are to minimise damage to the Etosha National Park, safeguard its role in biodiversity conservation and tourism, and protect the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah, adding that no human casualties have been recorded.
A coordinated national response was deployed, with 311 members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and 150 officials from the environment and tourism ministry, fighting fires inside Etosha, while more than 220 NDF troops and 45 ministry officials tackled outbreaks in the Omusati and Oshana regions.
Three operational bases were established at Omutambogwomawe, Amarika, and Onoolongo to reinforce efforts, supported by military vehicles, water bowsers, helicopters, and firebreak construction.
Despite challenges such as strong winds, dry vegetation and vehicle breakdowns, Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the dedication of all responders.
“I wholeheartedly take off my hat for all those men and women in uniform, and all civilians who risked their lives to put out these fires. Your efforts and personal sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. You deserve our boundless respect and honour.”
She also commended the solidarity shown by neighbouring farmers, private sector partners, NGOs, and surrounding communities.
While a final assessment of wildlife losses and environmental damage is still pending, no human casualty has been recorded to date.
An on-the-ground assessment will soon be undertaken to determine the extent of wildlife losses as well as the cause of the fire, she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored the significance of Etosha as Namibia’s premier tourist destination and “a vital national heritage that must be protected at all costs.”
She urged Namibians to remain calm and united, assuring the public that the Government will continue to enhance preparedness and response capacity against wildfires.
