| | Stricter Control over Quadbikes
24 November 2008
During a media conference last week Friday in Swakopmund, the Minister of Environment and Tourism revealed the ministry's plans to improve the management and development of the coastal areas as well as new regulations regarding quad bikes. Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said quad bikes would only be allowed in four areas, namely: -
the central dune belt between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay,
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an area to the east of Swakopmund, between the Usakos/Swakopmund tar road and the Usakos/Swakopmund railway line west of the Deblin Lead mine and east of the C34
- the beach area between Mile 6 and Henties Bay, and
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a demarcated area in the lower Omaruru river.
She reminded quad bike riders who intend going off-road in the dune area between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay to obtain a permit and two numbered stickers, to easily identify their bikes. The permit and stickers are obtainable free of charge from the MET offices in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Desert Explorers in Swakopmund and Dare Devil Adventures at Langstrand.
The central dune area between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay may be accessed from the old road under the Swakop Bridge – the parking area is at the premises of Desert Explorers. Riders should enter the dunes through the demarcated corridor and stay inside this corridor. Other demarcated corridors are opposite Langstrand, Dolphin Park, near the guano platform and near Dune 7. Adequate space and parking are available in these corridors.
No two-wheel motorbikes or quadbikes, other than registered tour operators that are using a specially approved route, are permitted off a proclaimed road in the following areas:-
on the beaches – between Swakopmund and Sandwich Harbour (including Pelican Point)
- between the low water mark and the first crest of the western side of the sea-facing dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
- in the Kuiseb Delta
- on any unproclaimed roads or tracks
- on the eastern edge of the dune belt between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay or any gravel plains
- anywhere in the Swakop River
- anywhere inland of the north-south coastal road between Swakopmund and Henties Bay
- anywhere north of Henties Bay until the Kunene River, except on a proclaimed road.
Concluding the media briefing the minister emphasised that the coast is a national asset for all Namibians. "We will not privatise our coast and its resources, though we will encourage private investment on our terms and in places that we identify as being suitable for development. We will protect public interests so that all citizens and our visitors can enjoy the coast without being harassed by hooligans or squeezed out by selfish developers. We believe that there is enough space for all of us and our new plan provides opportunities for all sectors of society to enjoy our great outdoors without spoiling the enjoyment of others."
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