Chobe Enclave councillors have welcomed the decision by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to open the Sedudu and Ngoma gates for 24 hours expressing that the move would enhance the economic growth and development of the area.
Minister Wynter Mmolotsi made the announcement in parliament this week noting that this was meant to allow Batswana residing in Chobe West to participate actively and freely in the economy of their beloved country. He indicated that the Sedudu-Ngoma trans route traversing the Chobe National Park has been restrictive on the public movement between Chobe West and Chobe East.
“The house should appreciate the security and human wildlife safety considerations that have influenced the current position of operating hours of the route. Chobe National Park is in close proximity to three international boundaries making it prone and susceptible to cross boundary wildlife related crimes,” he said.
He stated that the proximity of the park to international boundaries made law enforcement a considerable challenge that needed operational space, particularly at night when poachers were most active to avoid accidents.
“Chobe National Park is very rich in biodiversity hosting the highest concentration of elephants and a significant number of other species such as buffalo, zebra, sable & roan antelopes amongst others. This makes the possibility of the collision with wildlife high at night, which is exacerbated by the fact that the animals move across the road to and from their grazing grounds and the water source at Chobe River,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges that unrestricted movement along the route may cause, including increased resource needs. However, Mmolotsi has revealed that his ministry will put in place measures that will facilitate free movement of people while minimizing risks associated with the initiative.
He stated that some of the activities geared towards facilitating the initiative is concerted engagement with relevant stakeholders; conducting sensitisation campaigns and programmes for transit users on animal behaviours, wildlife interactions and safety protocols; improved road signage and increased patrols (day and night patrols) along the route.
In an interview, Chobe Enclave West Councillor Sinvula Sinvula said that the change in operating times will bring business opportunities into the area. He indicated that the current operating times restrict the entrepreneurs to invest in Chobe West as they are in fear that they may hamper their business activities.
“We are happy for the decision taken by the government as it would allow everyone including the business community to move freely between Chobe West and Chobe East,” he said.
However, Sinvula has acknowledged that the decision may pose risks/threats to human safety as people are more likely to encounter wild animals. He urged the government to come up with some measures that would promote human safety and also encouraged members of the public to be cautions when passing through the park. Sinvula has urged the law enforcers to put in serious measures within the park such as patrols, alcohol testing and traffic stop searches.
Chobe Enclave East Councillor Mumbera Jeremia has also welcomed the decision emphasising that it would play a very important role in boosting the economy of Chobe at large. He noted that there are some businesses which are currently operating within the Chobe Enclave villages which are usually being restricted by the gates operating times to deliver their goods or products to customers at a given time.
