BY IRENE !Hoaës
Katima Mulilo — Angola's Minister of Hotels and Tourism Pedro Mutindi said the Angolan government is willing to support and be part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).
However, the minister said the consequences of the wars that took place in Angola and Namibia should be dealt with, in order to make the project a success.
During the wars in Angola and Namibia, the area of the KAZA Angolan component was a battlefield and the consequences of this war are still visible in the area.
"The existence of landmines, without doubt, represents the challenge, which should be defeated at all costs for viability in the implementation of the KAZA project," Mutindi said.
According to the Angolan minister, his government has, in view of the reality and the importance of KAZA, developed gigantic efforts to remove landmines in the area of KAZA.
On the 3 August 2011, the Angolan government approved the operational plan of removing landmines in the KAZA area.
According to the minister, five landmine brigades removing landmines were mobilised as from September 2011.
"After six months of operational service, the results are highly encouraging," Mutindi informed.
About 62 km of road had been cleared of landmines and an area of 5,2 million sq. klm.
In addition, 1 201 anti-personal landmines were de-activated, while 18 army machine guns and 3 504 explosive products did not detonate.
"Besides the achieved results, we are conscious that there is a lot to do. Therefore all the support of the member countries of KAZA and international communities is welcome," Mutindi stated.
The Angolan minister said this will allow the fast removal of landmines in the area in a short period of time.
"Allowing the area to be free of landmines and accessible for tourists who wish to enjoy the beauty of nature, fauna and flora of the region," he added.
Mutindi is also certain that the project will contribute significantly for the protection of bio-diversity and tourism, and, above all, to improve the living conditions of the communities who live within the KAZA area.
The signing ceremony of the KAZA Treaty took place in Luanda, Angola, in August 2011, during the SADC Heads of Summit meeting.