Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has agreed to pay Nashirere Nkomba John, a 29-years-old Rundu resident who was attacked and injured by a crocodile while fetching water in the Kavango River, a sum of N$10,000.
Spokesperson of the ministry, Romeo Muyunda, said that in accordance with the National Human Wildlife Conflict Policy, the victim will be given the money as support to enhance his quick recovery.
Muyunda added that the ministry has dispatched a team to monitor the situation in the area where the attack occurred, popularly known by locals as ‘Rundu beach’, to study the presence of crocodiles.
If spotted, the crocodile will be put down as it is now deemed a problem causing animal and is a threat to the safety of the residents. “The influx of people at the site has become prevalent due to the water situation in Rundu, hence, it may have attracted crocodiles,” explained Muyunda.
The ‘Rundu beach’ is used by locals for recreational purposes and no cases of crocodile attacks have been reported at least in the last 10 years. Muyunda noted that they are appealing to the residents to be cautious at all times when making use of the river to avoid similar cases.
“We call upon the residents to avoid undertaking activities that may risk their lives unnecessary such as swimming, washing or bathing while standing in the river,” indicated Muyunda. The town was recently left without water for almost a weeks and residents resorted to fetching water from the Okavango River.
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