The expression of interest from the two businessmen – who have already visited the park – is being evaluated by the Ministry of the Environment, in order to balance the relationship between tourism and investment in the area, according to José Maria Kandungu, park administrator.
The official said that the businessmen's visit took place in November last year and that it is now up to the government to "give the go-ahead".
"The two businessmen visited the park in November 2024 and want to build rooms and restaurants there. Now the Ministry has to give the go-ahead and speed up the process so that we have a reserve equipped to generate strong tourism," said the park administrator, in statements to Angop.
José Maria Kandungu also considered that this is a "good" initiative, which, when implemented, will allow a notable number of visits to the park, both by national and foreign tourists who are interested in observing wildlife more closely, as well as being able to make the most of it.
At the moment, in addition to the infrastructure to support employees, the park lacks infrastructure aimed at stimulating tourism, which justifies the urgent need for its implementation, since there is already nature tourism in the area, with only the accommodation and catering part remaining to start the process, the person in charge also informed, quoted by Angop.
The manager also spoke about the financial needs the park has to maintain operations. At least 24 million kwanzas per year, that is, at least two million kwanzas per month, is how much the park needs to operate, the amount of which is used for the maintenance of vehicles, buildings, purchase of inspection equipment, among other expenses.
So far, the park is not yet a budgeted unit, and the process has been underway at the Ministry of Finance for three years, which causes logistical problems.
Although the workers' salaries are guaranteed, the park receives up to 800,000 kwanzas annually from the authority, divided into two installments throughout the year, he said, considering this amount "derisory" and that it is intended for the professionals' food, but that it is not enough, since they reside in the reserve, writes Angop.
The yard has 125 inspectors, which is an adequate number for inspection, he said, adding that the workers need to be equipped with resources (such as vehicles, among other materials).
Among the concerns raised, the manager also highlighted the scarcity of water during dry periods, since the current lagoons end up not filling up during the rainy season, which is why they have five operational wells, out of the seven that would be ideal, to meet the region's water needs.
But it's not all bad news, quoted by Angop, the administrator also reported that the park's debt related to workers' salaries and equipment suppliers, fell from 90 million kwanzas in 2021 to 24 million kwanzas currently.
