An oversight report, presented by the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration, Natangue Ithete, has revealed significant shortcomings in the management and security of Skeleton Coast Park in the Erongo and Kunene Regions.

The report, compiled after visits to exploration sites abandoned since the early 1970s and those with active EPL licenses, highlights a lack of synergy between the Ministry of Mines and Skeleton Coast Park.

"Members found that the EPL licenses at Mowebay were still active and would have expired in October 2023. However, as observed at Toscanini, this area is also unfenced, with no security measures in place. The gates at Mowebay and Ugab lack diamond detector machines, despite the park receiving many daily visitors. There's also an absence of accommodation and office space for officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy within the park."

Additionally, the report reveals that none of the exploration companies operating in the area have discovered diamonds of economic value. 

The police are also facing challenges conducting patrols due to fuel shortages and network constraints in the park.

The report calls for immediate action to address these issues, urging collaboration between the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism to enhance security and oversight in Skeleton Coast Park.