Breweries sponsors Canyon clean up
From left to right: Charles Boois; Lysias Kapiy, and Richard Tjingaete formed part of the 40 volunteers who collected waste from the Fish River Canyon – an initiative by government to keep the international tourist attraction clean, and proudly sponsored by Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group.
The project which took place recently, was the third one conducted by government since its inception in 2012. The initiative by government to clean the Fish River Canyon on a regular basis, comes as a result of the dirty condition the Canyon finds itself in, after the annual world popular hiking season at this international tourist attraction, attended by hikers from all corners of the globe – ended. The hiking season at the Canyon takes place annually from May to September.
Managing Director of NBL, Wessie van der Westhuizen said Namibia’s natural resources form a critical part of the current positive reputation of the country, and also to that of its economic future. “Visitors to the country fall in love with the unique beauty they encounter. O&L’s purpose ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’ does not only apply to bettering and enriching the livelihoods of its employees and surrounding communities, but it also embraces taking care of Namibia’s natural heritage, which contributes greatly to the growth of the local tourism sector.”
According to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, 45 volunteers, inclusive of staff members from the Directorate of Environmental Affairs of South Africa; Ministry of Youth and Sports; Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, and nearby towns took part in the cleaning operation. They were divided into three groups which eventually cleaned up the area of 90kms. This covers the /Ai/Ais Hot Spring Game Park which has been in existence since 1967, while the Trans-Frontier Park has been in existence since the signing of the Trans Frontier park agreement by Namibia’s former Presidents Dr Sam Nujoma and Thabo Mbeki in August 2003.
This year NBL supported the cause with a drinks and cash donation short of N$ 20,000 in contribution to the successful implementation of the project. Wessie said “We are proud to be part of this initiative. Namibia’s rich natural belongings are priceless, hence NBL gladly assists in endeavours that takes care of our country and her people.”
