Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare stated that the government will implement measures to enhance response times in emergency situations, such as the recent wildfires in the Etosha National Park.
Dr. Ngurare has confirmed that the recent wildfires in and around the National Park are being contained by teams deployed to the park and surrounding communal areas.
Communal areas in the Omusati and Oshana regions were also affected by the wildfire.
Delivering a Presidential statement on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Ngurare said the government is greatly concerned about the devastating impact of the fire, adding that it would put measures in place to ensure that response time and effectiveness in this regard are revised and enhanced.
"The scale and urgency of this matter have required the government to respond in an integrated and comprehensive manner. Our immediate priorities are to minimise damage to Etosha National Park, safeguard its role in biodiversity, conservation, and tourism, and protect the livelihoods and property of farmers and rural communities. Although the fire has caused significant damage to grazing land within the park and the surrounding areas, I am relieved to report that no human casualty has been recorded to date."
Dr. Ngurare confirmed that 311 members from the Namibian Defence Force had been dispatched to the Etosha Game Reserve to assist the 150 officials from the Ministry of Environment, where most of the fires have been contained.
Additional teams have been deployed to surrounding areas to assist and closely monitor the fires, with various stakeholders and community members also doing their part to help where they can.
"It is in times of devastating disasters like this that one witnesses the seamless resilience of a nation, packing its political and social differences and bouncing back. It is one of those life-threatening blood arteries."
The Prime Minister stated that, despite challenges such as strong winds, dry vegetation, and occasional vehicle breakdowns, the National Disaster Risk Management Committee continues to convene daily meetings to ensure effective coordination, provide necessary support, and update the nation.