Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Absalom Shigwedha
Published on 2024-04-04 17:38:18
The King Nehale conservancy in the Oshikoto region, under the coordination of Esther Petrus, has outlined a series of initiatives for the year 2022/23 aimed at enhancing the living standards of its members. These initiatives include the re-excavation of earth dams suffering from siltation, as well as the construction of community clinics and halls.
Petrus emphasized that the main sources of monetary benefits for the conservancy are derived from activities such as joint ventures with King Nehale Lodge (owned by Gondwana), trophy hunting, and the sale of crafts. In 2022, the conservancy allocated N$20,000 for the re-excavation of an earth dam at Amilema village and N$50,000 for a similar project at Okankololosa village, addressing the needs of the members directly.
The conservancy’s approach is centered on consulting its members to determine their requirements and priorities. Petrus highlighted the construction of a community clinic at Omboto village in 2023, costing N$41,247, as well as similar projects at Oshiya and Ohaiyanda villages. Additionally, a community clinic at Alweendo was revamped at a cost of N$41,326.70.
To further enhance community infrastructure, the conservancy invested in building materials for a church hall at Okapuku village and a hall at its head offices, located a few kilometers south of Omuthiya, at a cost of N$40,946 and N$200,000 respectively. Petrus mentioned that one of the challenges faced by the conservancy was locating suitable sites for community clinics, a challenge that was overcome with the assistance of village leaders.
With 10 centers under its jurisdiction, the King Nehale conservancy operates with a team of six employees and has received wild animals from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism. Through a joint-venture agreement with Gondwana Collection Namibia’s King Nehale Lodge, the conservancy has provided job opportunities for approximately 50 community members. King Nehale Lodge was officially inaugurated on 28 April 2020.
Established in September 2005, the conservancy has a population of around 20,000 people and covers an area of 508 square kilometers. Communal conservancies in Namibia operate under the Community-Based Natural Resources Management program of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, with a total of 86 registered conservancies in the country.
A communal conservancy serves as a community-based institution with conditional rights to responsibly utilize wildlife and natural resources within a specific area. The emphasis is placed on sustainable practices to preserve the environment for future generations. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, the King Nehale conservancy is striving to enhance the well-being of its members and contribute positively to the local region’s development.
Read the original article on The Namibian
