Accra:The deaths of 27 people and injuries to 37 others due to crocodile attacks from 2023 to 2026 have underscored the dangers faced by communities relying on northern rivers for daily activities. A new proposal aims to install protective barriers at river-access points to offer safer water access without disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the initiative, being explored by the University of Namibia (UNAM), the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, targets communities along the Kavango, Zambezi, and Kunene rivers. Residents in these areas often collect water, wash, and swim in these rivers. However, the project is still in the feasibility stage, with questions regarding its effectiveness, costs, funding, and environmental impact yet to be resolved.
Environment ministry Chief Public Relations Officer Vilho Hangula confirmed the crocodile attack statistics and mentioned the ministry's involvement in the proposed initiative. He highlighted the challenge that multiple protective barriers would be needed to make a significant impact, which involves considerable costs. Hangula suggested that traditional knowledge could inform modern interventions and emphasized the need for further research to assess environmental implications.
UNAM spokesperson Simon Namesho stated that discussions have been held with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare on the proposal, focusing initially on the Kavango River. UNAM engineers have visited Mukwe Constituency in the Kavango East Region to assess crocodile hotspots and gather information for preliminary designs. The proposed system would establish designated areas for safer water access, incorporating features like non-slip decks, steel framing, and mesh barriers to prevent crocodile entry.
Despite progress, practical and environmental challenges remain, with no formal agreement or project timeline concluded. An environmental impact assessment and further discussions are necessary to inform decisions on fabrication and construction.
In Mukwe Constituency, the proposal has generated cautious optimism. Resident Aron Mundanya welcomed the initiative but stressed the need for consultations with traditional authorities and questioned the effectiveness of the barriers during seasonal flooding. Former Councillor Damien Maghambayi also supported the proposal, recalling past traditional methods to prevent crocodile attacks and emphasizing the need to balance community safety with environmental protection.