Off-road rules to remain in force

RULES for off-road driving at the coast, introduced in December, will remain in force for the coming Easter weekend. The Permanent Secretary of Environment and Tourism (MET), Kalumbi Shangula, says the Ministry experienced an improvement in the conduct of off-road drivers during the past December holidays.

The central coastal area between the Kuiseb Delta (in the south) and the Ugab River (in the north) were zoned into areas that are environmentally sensitive, suitable for various types of land use, and for high-impact activities.Off-road driving peaks during holidays between Sandwich Harbour and the Ugab River. A management and development plan for this area has been compiled. This plan will be implemented as part of the proclamation of the central coast – between the Kuiseb Delta and Swakopmund, as well as the National West Coast Recreation Area between Swakopmund and the Ugab River – as a national park, which will be incorporated into a greater National Coastal Park. This park will stretch from the Kunene River to the Orange River, including the Skeleton Coast, Namib-Naukluft and Sperrgebiet parks, making it one of the world’s largest national parks. Information pamphlets on the rules for off-road driving are available from the Ministry’s offices at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, as well as from local quad-bike operators.People wishing to drive in the dune belt between the two main coastal towns should obtain permits and numbered stickers – free of charge – from the above offices. They are required to only enter the dunes through the demarcated access points, marked by flags, and just utilise the area indicated in the pamphlet.’I wish to emphasise that a large portion of civil society is not tolerating any further damage to the coastal natural resources anymore. Namibians believe that these are assets, which should be managed and utilised in a sustainable manner,’ says Shangula.Various companies and individuals donated more than N$750 000 to a number of coastal management activities during the past holiday season and now for the Easter weekend.