The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on Friday pledged to revamp the aging infrastructure in the Etosha National Park, which is approaching its 115th anniversary.

The ministry’s Executive Director, Teofilus Nghitila, on Friday at Okaukuejo in the Etosha National Park said the environment ministry is determined to restore Etosha’s former glory.

He made the statement while handing over a newly purchased grader, which will be used to level more than 400 kilometres of gravel roads within Etosha.

‘The new grader will be also used to clear the cutlines, which help to minimise the spread of veld fires from outside or even inside the national park,’ he said.

The executive director further stated that nearly N.dollars 50 million will be used during this financial year to also revamp the three major entrance gates to Etosha, as well as ablution facilities and other infrastructure of the ministry in the Hardap Region.

Nghitila then encouraged local and international tourists to visit Etosha, saying the
newly acquired grader will help eliminate potholes, thus improving the game drive experience.

According to the control technical works inspector at Etosha, Silver Kazombungo, the park now has 10 graders but only the new grader is operational. The remaining nine graders, all dating back to the 1970s, are no longer functional.

He said the new grader has an expected lifespan of 54 years.

Source: The Namibia News Agency