The Balyerwa Conservancy in the Zambezi Region, currently relying on hunting quotas for its operations, now plans to expand into other sources of income generation to ensure the sustainability of activities and benefits provided to its members.

The management shared this information with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, which is currently visiting various conservancies in the region to assess how the funds generated by these conservancies benefit the community.

The Balyerwa Conservancy informed the standing committee that despite an increase in the number of animal species within the conservancy, there has been a rise in human-wildlife conflict.

Unfortunately, this has led to a reduction in hunting quotas for the current year in comparison to 2022 and previous years.

The management pointed out that the conservancy continues to fulfil its financial obligations to the Mayeyi Traditional Authority and five sub-Khutas.

In addition, the Conservancy is providing financial support to students attending various institutions as well as undertaking initiatives such as drilling boreholes for the community and implementing electrification projects.

Tendy Mubyana is the bookkeeper for the conservancy.

"In the main account, we have N$3,208,011.33, and then in the operational account, we have N$384,661.50."

The Chairperson, Babakarapo Harushando, noted that the contract for electricity installation in three of its five areas has already been finalised.

The previous administration budgeted and spent N$1.4 million on the purchase and installation of poles, but no ABC lines were installed in the areas of Nongozi and Mbambazi.

"We have five areas, but we are going to electrify three areas now. And this project is going to start soon; we are already done with selecting the proper contractor according to specifications by the Ministry."

Claims for crop damage and animal losses are already viewed and ready for payment next week.

Harushando further reported that two boreholes were drilled in the Mambali and Sauzuo areas in 2022 and that the government is funding students in the amount of N$30,000 as well as funding the Chief's Palace with N$300,000 over three consecutive years.

Harushando expressed concerns regarding the alleged entry of Angolan and Zambian nationals into the Balyerwa Conservancy, specifically into the Nkasa-Rupara National Park, for illegal fishing activities such as using illegal monofilament fish nets.

The head of the sub-committee, Agnes Kafula, along with her team, expressed their appreciation for the commendable efforts undertaken by the Balyerwa Conservancy.

"If it were possible, we could say, 'Let's take one conservancy or two from the Kunene Region where we have visited to come to pay a visit to you, and then you share your experience'. Keep up the good job."