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dam-l Himba Development Plan/LS
>Himba seize initiative
>The Namibian
>
>CHRISTOF MALETSKY
>
>IN a surprise move, the Himba community living along the Kunene river, in
>the area of the proposed Epupa hydro-electric power scheme, have
>established a Foundation through which they plan to initiate development in
>the area.
>
>"The whole idea is to have a development project designed by the Himbas for
>the benefit of the Himbas," Himba Chief from Epupa, Hikuminue Kapika, told
>The Namibian in an exclusive interview yesterday.
>
>The Kaoko-Epupa Development Foundation, an incorporated non-profit
>association, would, among others, focus on developing the region's economy
>as well as maintaining and promoting the unique traditions of communities
>in the region.
>
>Linked to this it would look to solar and wind energy as sources of power,
>and not the construction of a hydro-electric dam proposed by Government.
>
>Chief Kapika said his people wanted to steer development in their area, and
>not simply leave it to others who wanted to promote their own interests.
>
>He said the idea for the Foundation emerged during his trip to Europe last
>year, when he campaigned against the construction of the Epupa dam.
>
>The aim of the Foundation is to maintain and promote the traditions of the
>Himba, Vazemba, Herero and other related communities in the Epupa region,
>both in Namibia and Angola.
>
>It is also the Foundation's intention to institute and develop educational
>facilities for children and adults living in the Epupa and Kaoko areas, and
>to promote adequately-schooled and trained members of communities for
>higher education.
>
>Kapika, who chairs the Foundation's board of directors, said the new body
>also wanted to develop health facilities and promote health and social
>care, develop the area's tourist industry by developing the region's
>communications network.
>
>"Through our community-based programme, tourists will come and live with
>the people and not rush in, take pictures and leave," he added.
>
>Further, the Foundation intended developing the region's economy through
>efficient farming and marketing of livestock and other agricultural
>products, as well as by promoting water management, mining and
>manufacturing.
>
>Throughout the interview, Kapika and his fellow directors of the Foundation
>made it clear that their project would not negatively affect the people of
>the region nor its environment.
>
>However, they said it would serve as an alternative to the Epupa dam.
>
>Kapika and his fellow directors said they would look to solar and wind
>energy as alternative sources of power, and not the construction of a
>hydroelectric dam.
>
>The Chief revealed that the Foundation already had some funds, while
>several foreign sympathisers - mostly from Europe - had also pledged
>financial support.
>
>Kapika expressed his willingness to negotiate with Government, but made it
>clear that the Foundation wanted to steer any development in their area.
>
>The Foundation's board of directors comprises of Kapika as chair, Kasita
>Mburura (Secretary), Dareus Utjavari (Communications Director), Dr Reinhard
>Zaire (Interim Executive Director), Muatjindika Mutambo, Frans Tjavira,
>Ujeuetu Tjihange and Kuejo Rutjindo.
>
>Kapika and his people have vehemently opposed the Epupa dam scheme since it
>was first proposed by Government.
>
>
>June 4, 1998
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Lori Pottinger, Director, Southern Africa Program,
and Editor, World Rivers Review
International Rivers Network
1847 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, California 94703, USA
Tel. (510) 848 1155 Fax (510) 848 1008
http://www.irn.org
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