Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), Indileni Daniel, inaugurated newly upgraded facilities at the Etosha National Park, marking a significant milestone in the government's ongoing commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure.
The upgrades, valued at N$166 million, included renovated entrance gates, ablution facilities, picnic areas, and comfort zones for visitors. Funding for the project was provided jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the German development bank, KfW.
During a tour of the park, Minister Daniel was accompanied by the deputy director of Etosha National Park, Josephine Ipinge, who guided her through the improvements made at the Namutoni gate and other visitor areas.
Daniel pointed out that renovations should be maintained for generations to come.
"These are not mere bricks and mortar; they are symbols of resilience. They are monuments of international cooperation and investment in a future where conservation and development work side by side. It is now our collective responsibility to protect these assets, and it's also our responsibility to maintain them and also to ensure they ensure it is a legacy for generations yet unborn."
The country director of KfW is Beatrice Lucke.
"The important role of Namibia's national parks in both conservation and development has been reinforced through the Namibia National Parks Programme, the NAMParks, a flagship initiative launched already, I think, 20 years ago and a big, big effort of the Namibian government to preserve these precious parks."
Community engagement and local employment were key components of the project, with several local contractors involved in the construction and renovation work.
Dr Thorsten Hutter is Germany's ambassador to Namibia.
"Since its inception, Nam Parks has promoted sustainable and effective park management, with Germany proudly supporting Namibia from the start. Not only during periods of growth but also through periods of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic when extra assistance was essential to maintain core operations in the parks."
The new facilities also include additional staff offices to better support park operations and management.
The Director General at the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Kaire Mbuende, also spoke at the event.
"These are part of Namibia's broader development goals of sustainable growth, environmental protection and economic transformation. Our protected areas are not only ecological assets but also key drivers of economic development through tourism and improved livelihoods."
According to park officials, the upgrades were designed to balance the growing number of tourists with the need to protect the park's unique wildlife and natural environment.
The upgrades are expected to boost tourism revenue while ensuring that the park's delicate ecosystems are preserved for future generations.