Government thanks firefighters and communities for saving Etosha National Park

By Ludorf Iyambo

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reassured Namibians that the wildfires that raged through Etosha National Park and nearby areas have been largely contained.

Delivering the President’s message in Parliament, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare confirmed that most fire fronts are under control, with only a few hotspots still being monitored.

The fires began inside Etosha on 22 September before spreading into communal areas in the Omusati and Oshana regions, destroying grazing land in constituencies such as Uuvudhiya, Otamanzi, and Ruacana. While damage to the environment has been severe, no human lives were lost. Authorities are preparing to assess the impact on wildlife and investigate the causes of the fires.

The government mobilised more than 300 Namibian Defence Force members and 150 officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to combat the fires within the park. Outside Etosha, 136 soldiers and ministry staff worked with community volunteers. Three operational bases were set up at Omutambogwomawe, Amarika, and Onoolongo to coordinate efforts, supported by helicopters, water bowsers, firebreaks, and a mobile clinic.

Despite strong winds, dry conditions, and equipment breakdowns, the President praised the united response of soldiers, firefighters, local farmers, and volunteers, saying their efforts prevented Etosha from suffering greater devastation. She also thanked communities, the private sector, and NGOs for their support.

“Etosha National Park is one of the lifelines of our tourism industry. We cannot afford to see it go up in flames. No resources should be spared to save such a national treasure.”

President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Namibians to remain calm and united, assuring the public that government will continue to prioritise protecting lives, livelihoods, and the environment from future wildfires.