Conservation research station launched at Impalila Island
April 27, 2016
Nambwa cheetah encounter – a birthday to remember
April 29, 2016
Compiled Sanet van Zijl
The Namibian German Special Initiative Programme (NGSIP) recently finished the Hai||om tented campsites which were constructed in response to community demand. The programme aims to implement infrastructure, increase socio-cultural and historical appreciation and shift productive assets to the poor in the most disadvantaged communities in the country.
The cost of constructing the campsites in the Hai||om San Traditional Authority of Outjo Constituency came to N$2.3 million. The campsite consists of 6 pristine camping spots, washing facilities, braai areas and ablution blocks. It is situated about 110 km south of the Okaukuejo gate of Etosha National Park, making it the ideal overnight camp for tourists and visitors to the area.
The area to the south of the Etosha Pan, where most tourist roads and camps are located, was predominantly the territory of Khoesan-speaking people. They hunted and gathered around the pan. These people are known as the Hai||om, one of the various groups classified in Namibia as San, or “Bushmen”. Considering education, access to resources, terms of land occupation, employment and political representation, they are at present one of the most marginalised communities in southern Africa. This project is therefore crucial to their survival.
All 6 camping sites are provided with luxury tents and can accommodate between 6 to 8 people. This will allow members of the local community, as well as travelers to experience a camping weekend in the African bush with all the luxuries.
The campsite belongs to the San community. Project proposals that are directed to the programme will be presented by beneficiary communities. These projects; such as this campsite, are organised in detail and are managed by the beneficiaries, together with local technical consultants.
The primary local beneficiaries of the NGSIP are chosen rural communities in 24 constituencies in the Omaheke, Erongo, Kunene, Karas, Otjozondjupa, Hardap and Khomas regions. The programme cost around 36 million Euros to establish and it has been extremely successful since it started in 2007.
The newly completed campsite will serve as an example of the community-driven approach and methods of the NGSIP, where projects are determined and possessed by communities.
