Treesleeper Camp update
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism is dismayed by the poor workmanship by contractors hired to construct and upgrade the Treesleeper Camp, a project for the San community of Tsintsabis.
Contractors allegedly vanished in thin air after being fully paid, leaving the project half complete. Over N$ 3 million was spent on the upgrade and construction of the campsite.
The ministry has thus far resolved to rope in private investors to revive the project, as it is unable to pump more funds into it. In addition negotiations are underway to formulate terms of operation and how the community can benefit.
The tourism ministry has three other similar projects in Kunene and two in Zambezi, of which one, Intenge Community Lodge at Ngoma was gutted by fire in August last year. It was not operational, as it was still incomplete, resulting in taxpayer’s money going down the drain.
Bush walks, traditional performances and village tours are some of the services offered in addition to a fully-fledged camping facility.
Despite the challenges, the project is slowly operational on a minimal scale, according to camp manager Moses //Khumub.
The campsite started its operation as far as 2007, but things have been sloppy since then, although it began on great note with 19 employees. At the moment, only three are managing the camp, a clear sign that a robust plan is urgently needed.
This project is the only hope as a community of Tsintsabis however things are not well and up to standard for a smooth operation – hence the wish to get aid. Irrespective of all these challenges, staff is trying their best to sustain the campsite, which was made possible by the good working relationship within the tourism industry, especially the booking agencies. Furthermore the income they generate is not enough to upgrade the facilities, but it is just something small to sustain the business on a day-to-day basis.
The camp is strategically located not far from Etosha National Park and serves as a gateway to accommodate people from Angola through the Katwitwi border post and those using the Mpungu-Tsumeb road.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism is dismayed by the poor workmanship by contractors hired to construct and upgrade the Treesleeper Camp, a project for the San community of Tsintsabis.
Contractors allegedly vanished in thin air after being fully paid, leaving the project half complete. Over N$ 3 million was spent on the upgrade and construction of the campsite.
The ministry has thus far resolved to rope in private investors to revive the project, as it is unable to pump more funds into it. In addition negotiations are underway to formulate terms of operation and how the community can benefit.
The tourism ministry has three other similar projects in Kunene and two in Zambezi, of which one, Intenge Community Lodge at Ngoma was gutted by fire in August last year. It was not operational, as it was still incomplete, resulting in taxpayer’s money going down the drain.
Bush walks, traditional performances and village tours are some of the services offered in addition to a fully-fledged camping facility.
Despite the challenges, the project is slowly operational on a minimal scale, according to camp manager Moses //Khumub.
The campsite started its operation as far as 2007, but things have been sloppy since then, although it began on great note with 19 employees. At the moment, only three are managing the camp, a clear sign that a robust plan is urgently needed.
This project is the only hope as a community of Tsintsabis however things are not well and up to standard for a smooth operation – hence the wish to get aid. Irrespective of all these challenges, staff is trying their best to sustain the campsite, which was made possible by the good working relationship within the tourism industry, especially the booking agencies. Furthermore the income they generate is not enough to upgrade the facilities, but it is just something small to sustain the business on a day-to-day basis.
The camp is strategically located not far from Etosha National Park and serves as a gateway to accommodate people from Angola through the Katwitwi border post and those using the Mpungu-Tsumeb road.
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