Poor waste management blamed for return of Goreangab baboons

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has linked the baboon attack on Windhoek’s Goreangab residents to poor waste management, urging residents to dispose of waste properly.

This follows failed interventions to scare the baboons away after residents complained of them raiding homes, stealing food and destroying gardens.

Two weeks ago, the ministry tried to scare the animals away by shooting three of them, but they kept returning to the area.

Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula on Wednesday said no amount of interventions will work if waste, which is believed to attract baboons, is not properly managed.

“The ministry acknowledges the concerns of the baboons in that area and urges residents to work together with the municipality to improve waste management in the area,” he said.

He explained that some interventions of scaring baboons away, including discharging firearms within the municipal area, contravene municipal by-laws.

“The ministry is of the view that a sustainable solution can be found when the residents work closely with the municipality. Although baboons fall under the purview of the ministry as wildlife, the area they terrorise falls under Windhoek municipality,” Hangula said.

City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya says the council has not yet adopted a comprehensive policy addressing human-wildlife conflict.

She adds that the recurring incidents may justify the initiation of a coherent policy position, supported by defined interventions, action plans and long-term strategies.

However, in the absence of an adopted policy, Amutenya says the city collaborates with relevant authorities where baboons are identified as problematic, especially when human life may be at risk.

“The city seeks assistance from the environment ministry and the police where necessary. Ministry officials are aware of the situation and confirmed they are actively monitoring baboon activity in affected areas,” she says.

She explains that baboons have learnt to associate human settlements with food, and residents should avoid dumping food and feeding the animals.

The affected Goreangab area, however, does not have waste management facilities or skips, despite residents calling on the municipality to provide them.

Amutenya says the provision of these facilities will be investigated further to determine appropriate action as part of its broader waste management and mitigation measures.

Residents are urged to remain calm during encounters with baboons as teasing them may trigger aggressive behaviour.

Residents are also urged to keep waste bins secure and homes locked at all times.

“Do not chase baboons nor allow pets to chase them. Do not touch or attempt to handle baboons, as this reduces their natural fear of humans and poses serious danger,” she urges.

She advises against shooting baboons, adding that discharging firearms in municipal areas is a criminal offence and punishable by law.

“Residents who observe baboons in their area are encouraged to report sightings to the city police and the environment ministry immediately,” she says.

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