Dune belt will soon be off-limits

FREE access to the scenic dune belt between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay will be something of the past as soon as Cabinet has promulgated a set of regulations for the area’s use, control and management.

The Walvis Bay Town Council adopted the long-awaited regulations at its monthly meeting last week. Gert Kruger, Manager Economic Development at the Walvis Bay Municipality, told The Namibian he believed the regulations would be enforced from December.The Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing has to table the regulations in Cabinet for promulgation.”All the role players are very eager to have the regulations in place,” said Kruger.The need for better control of the popular area was highlighted recently when there was a public outcry with much media attention over the destruction caused by participants in the annual Desert Run event for off-road bikers.The regulations will introduce a permit system, which stipulates that no person may enter the area without a valid permit.The idea that the dunes can no longer be enjoyed for a sundowner or dune boarding without forking out money has already upset residents.Kruger said: “People must realise the times are over when they could do what they wanted in the dune belt.”He said paying N$5 per person for a permit was not excessive.”I believe at the end of the day it would benefit everybody.”Kruger added that people normally started appreciating something more and looked after it better when you placed a premium on it.He said from a tourist’s point of view, Walvis Bay’s two main attractions were the lagoon and the dunes.”If we do not conserve these, we will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.”He also pointed out that the main aim of the regulations was to manage the area, and not to fine people.The Council agenda states: “It is believed that the promulgation of these regulations would strengthen Council’s hand in the management of the area, as well as promote the sustainable use thereof.”As the dune belt does not fall within the area designated as the National West Coast Tourist Recreation area, and it is not a national park, entry is currently unregulated.As the only coastal dunes in the country easily accessible to the public, it has become very popular as a recreation area, not only for off-road activities, but also as a filming location.The area is also extensively used by tour operators.Council’s motivation for drawing up the regulations resulted from conflicts that arose between the various activities, and the adverse effect off-road vehicle activity has on the dunes, gravel plains and fauna and flora.The regulations demarcate the area into six zones, with each zone making provision for certain activities.Specific zones have also been set aside for conservation purposes.Kruger said the Municipality would first take responsibility for the implementation of the guidelines to make them workable and improve on them where necessary.The idea is then to invite tenders to get a private company to take it over.He denied that the management of the belt would be handed back to Pamoja Investments, as was done in 2003.That Council decision resulted in numerous objections and complaints, and Council was advised to draw up the regulations instead.Qualified peace officers might be used to patrol the area and issue of fines.Penalties for the contravention of any provision in the regulations vary from N$500 or three months’ imprisonment, to N$2 000 or 12 months’ imprisonment.While individuals would have to take out permits, operators need to be licensed to work in the area.Licence fees of up to N$10 000 are applicable for business licences, while an annual renewal fee will also be charged.Non-business licence holders can also apply for an annual permit.The permit fees are for each person, plus the vehicle taken into the area.Gert Kruger, Manager Economic Development at the Walvis Bay Municipality, told The Namibian he believed the regulations would be enforced from December.The Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing has to table the regulations in Cabinet for promulgation.”All the role players are very eager to have the regulations in place,” said Kruger.The need for better control of the popular area was highlighted recently when there was a public outcry with much media attention over the destruction caused by participants in the annual Desert Run event for off-road bikers.The regulations will introduce a permit system, which stipulates that no person may enter the area without a valid permit.The idea that the dunes can no longer be enjoyed for a sundowner or dune boarding without forking out money has already upset residents.Kruger said: “People must realise the times are over when they could do what they wanted in the dune belt.”He said paying N$5 per person for a permit was not excessive.”I believe at the end of the day it would benefit everybody.”Kruger added that people normally started appreciating something more and looked after it better when you placed a premium on it.He said from a tourist’s point of view, Walvis Bay’s two main attractions were the lagoon and the dunes.”If we do not conserve these, we will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.”He also pointed out that the main aim of the regulations was to manage the area, and not to fine people.The Council agenda states: “It is believed that the promulgation of these regulations would strengthen Council’s hand in the management of the area, as well as promote the sustainable use thereof.”As the dune belt does not fall within the area designated as the National West Coast Tourist Recreation area, and it is not a national park, entry is currently unregulated.As the only coastal dunes in the country easily accessible to the public, it has become very popular as a recreation area, not only for off-road activities, but also as a filming location.The area is also extensively used by tour operators.Council’s motivation for drawing up the regulations resulted from conflicts that arose between the various activities, and the adverse effect off-road vehicle activity has on the dunes, gravel plains and fauna and flora.The regulations demarcate the area into six zones, with each zone making provision for certain activities.Specific zones have also been set aside for conservation purposes.Kruger said the Municipality would first take responsibility for the implementation of the guidelines to make them workable and improve on them where necessary.The idea is then to invite tenders to get a private company to take it over.He denied that the management of the belt would be handed back to Pamoja Investments, as was done in 2003.That Council decision resulted in numerous objections and complaints, and Council was advised to draw up the regulations instead.Qualified peace officers might be used to patrol the area and issue of fines.Penalties for the contravention of any provision in the regulations vary from N$500 or three months’ imprisonment, to N$2 000 or 12 months’ imprisonment.While individuals would have to take out permits, operators need to be licensed to work in the area.Licence fees of up to N$10 000 are applicable for business licences, while an annual renewal fee will also be charged.Non-business licence holders can also apply for an annual permit.The permit fees are for each person, plus the vehicle taken into the area.