Africa-Press – Botswana. Kavimba residents have lauded Botswana and Namibia defence forces joint Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) plan as a tool to foster partnerships and instill peace and harmony along the shared border.
Speaking during the CIMIC sensitisation campaign at Kavimba on Tuesday Kgosi Liswaani Sinvula III of Kavimba stated that the campaign came at the right time when bogosi and community trusts from villages on the shared border had been recently discussing fighting crime along the border.
Kgosi Sinvula said Botswana and Namibia shared historical, cultural heritage, long lasting political relations and family bonds hence it was imperative that they worked towards a common goal of ensuring peaceful co-existence.
However, Kgosi Sinvula raised concerns over fishing activities on the shared water sources noting that Namibia held an upper hand due to the fact that their fishing season was all year compared to Botswana where it adjourned for a few months. He requested that the policies regulating activities around the shared natural resources be harmonised to benefit both citizens. Senior wildlife warden in the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Mr Pule Pule, said the Kavango- Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area was working on harmonising regulations for its five member states so that they benefited fairly from the natural resources while sustainably managing the ecosystem.
He said currently, Namibians were justified to fish all year because they conducted research which indicated that fish spawned massively hence lifted fishing restrictions.
Mr Pule said the fishing season in Botswanawas between March and December every year, statting that fishing off season was an offense.
He advised people to refrain from fishing at night as this could breed illegal dealings and pollution of the ecosystem.
He commended fisherman in Chobe Enclave for complying with fishing guidelines during the fishing season which he attributed to education and awareness from Chobe Enclave Community Trust (CECT). However he warned against people issued hunting licenses on either country and infringing upon territories by hunting beyond regulated shores.
Mr Pule implored residents to desist from causing veld-fires as they destroyed creatures that were habitats of grass and trees and destroyed food for wildlife.
The CIMIC sensitisation campaign Chairperson, Col. Watipa Abel, said the campaign educated citizens on the importance of adhering to the gazetted border entry points, the risks involved in illegal crossings, and the benefits of maintaining orderly and secure borders.Col. Abel said the campaign which ran concurrently on both countries intended to promote unity and cooperation for the betterment of the Botswana and Namibia’s future.
The campaign, which targets 21 villages on the Botswana side, commenced this week in Chobe and proceeding to Okavango next week. The campaign covers 19 villages on the Namibian side.
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