Sibbinda: Displaced residents in the Sibbinda Constituency of the Zambezi Region have requested government intervention following an increase in human-wildlife conflict. The affected residents, who were relocated due to flash floods, reported that roaming herds of elephants and hippopotamuses have destroyed their primary food sources.

According to Namibia Press Agency, during a site visit on Tuesday, a high-level delegation led by Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa met with families representing more than 70 affected individuals. Community leaders cited an urgent need for potable water, building materials, mosquito nets, and additional tents. While the delegation provided immediate food aid during the outreach, residents emphasised that the destruction of their fields necessitates a long-term food security strategy.

Bush Tuombale, deputy chairperson of the village coordinating committee, called for assistance from the government. 'We are requesting the government to provide us with food from April 2026 to April 2027. As we speak there will be no harvest as the crop fields have been destroyed and we need this request to be attended to as soon as possible,' said Tuombale.

Sibbinda Constituency Councillor Matengu Nkando confirmed that agricultural areas in Sachinga, Kaenda, and Sikubi have been extensively damaged by elephants. Colgar Sikopo, Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, noted that the ministry has received formal reports regarding the elephant herds. He announced that a ministerial directive has been issued to cull two elephants in the region.

"The minister issued a directive to put down two elephants in the area and have the affected community members share the meat in an effort to control and mitigate the complex conflict while the ministry looks for long-term solutions," he said. Sikopo further assured the public that game guards would be deployed to the constituency to monitor the situation. However, he cautioned residents against taking independent action against the wildlife, noting that unauthorised interference could increase animal aggression and further jeopardise public safety.