The Environment and Tourism Ministry and the German Development Co-operation agency have commissioned the construction of 61 staff houses in the Khaudom and Nkasa-rupara national parks in the Zambezi Region. Two park management stations with an office and 20 houses are earmarked for Khaudom and Shikerete in the Khaudum National Park. Deputy Minister Tommy Nambahu says he is aware of the dangers and challenges associated with wildlife conservation such as attacks from wild animals, poachers and poor living conditions. He therefore thanked the German Government for its continued support to local conservation efforts. The two Governments contributed a combined amount of 132 million dollars to the project. Khaudom is seen as an important part of the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-frontier conservation area and a major migratory wildlife park. Since its proclamation in 1989, there has been no infrastructure development in the park, while the first luxury lodge only opened its doors this month. Head of Cooperation at the Germany Embassy Christian Grun believes investments in tourism are part of the fight against poverty and deprivation. The community conservancies, Muduva Nyangana, Gorge Mukoya and Nyayi-nyayi in the Otjozondjupa Region benefit from hunting concessions and other tourism ventures in the park.