The rangers at Ngenda Camp, situated west of Mudumu National Park in the Zambezi Region, are threatening to go on strike if the water crisis at the camp is not addressed.

The employees claim that the contractor who drilled a borehole at the camp informed them that the water was not safe for human consumption when the camp was officially opened in 2014.

They state that the only solution to the problem is to transport water from Shuno Ranger Camp, but all vehicles are out of service, and the employees have no choice but to consume the available water.

Fabian Kangumu, an assistant ranger at Ngenda Camp, warns:

"He told us that this water is not suitable for drinking because it has a high iron concentration. We may not notice immediate sickness, but over time, our bodies will be harmed. I have been hospitalised in Windhoek for a spleen problem, and even now it is still swollen. I have been in the hospital for almost five months, and I was told to return in August."

The risk of consuming this water is evident on kitchen utensils, toilet pots, and in the bathrooms.

Additionally, there is no electricity at the camp in the evening due to malfunctioning solar power batteries, and the standby generator is not working.

Mavandje Govaque, an assistant ranger at Ngenda Camp, expresses:

"We have voiced our concerns and requested a certain period of time for action to be taken. However, we are continually waiting without any progress. We are unsure whether we should stay at home or go somewhere else because our hygiene is of utmost importance."

The rangers are also appealing to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism to consider providing them with danger allowances.

Webster Museto, an assistant ranger at Ngenda Camp, highlights:

"We live in an area full of elephants, lions, and other dangerous predators. We have had cases of people being injured in this camp, such as Alfred, who was injured by an elephant while on duty, but we are not covered at all."