Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) lawmaker Likando Rodrick on Saturday raised concerns over the ongoing veldfire in Etosha National Park.
He blamed the fast-spreading fire on the Ministry of Environment and Tourism’s alleged lack of preparedness.
“While the Namibian Defence Force, park rangers and communities are doing their utmost under extremely difficult conditions, the IPC is gravely concerned about the lack of preparedness and inadequate resources allocated for wildfire management year after year.
“The ministry has failed to prioritise disaster readiness, leaving our national parks vulnerable to catastrophic loss,” he said.
Rodrick recently tabled a motion in parliament calling for a comprehensive national wildfire strategy to strengthen preparedness, prevention, and response capacity.
The current disaster validates the urgency of that call, he said, adding that Namibia can no longer rely on ad hoc responses when its people, wildlife, and heritage are at stake.
“We therefore demand an urgent response plan for Etosha National Park, including rapid ecological assessments and recovery measures for affected wildlife,” Rodrick said.
He demands fast-tracking the adoption of a national wildfire and climate adaption strategy, as he had proposed in parliament to ensure Namibia is never caught unprepared again.
Rodrick proposes that the ministry invest in modern firefighting equipment and training, including aerial fire suppression to safeguard parks of global importance like Etosha.
Rodrick said Namibia cannot afford to treat Etosha as an afterthought.
The scale of this disaster, he said, must serve as a turning point for serious action.
“The IPC stands ready to push for accountability, resources and long-term planning so that our nation’s crown jewel is protected for generations to come,” he said.
Rodrick said the party is deeply alarmed by the wildfire that has destroyed over 300 000 hectares of land in Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier conservation area, and a global tourism treasure.
According to him, the fire has caused untold damage to wildlife habitats, grazing land, and biodiversity and threatens the very ecological balance that sustains the tourism economy and conservation heritage.
“Etosha is more than a park. It is the heart of Namibia’s natural identity, drawing thousands of visitors annually and supporting jobs and livelihoods across the country,” he added.
The devastation now unfolding is not only an environmental crisis but also an economic and cultural tragedy, he said.
Ministry spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela in a statement on Friday said the fire in the south-western part of the park within the Renostervlei block was brought under control on Thursday afternoon, although it is now headed west.
No animal fatalities have been reported yet, she said
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