To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you.This time the OvaZemba people joined the OvaHimba and transnational interest groups in protesting the Baynes Dam's construction. They cited the same arguments and again, the Namibian government was pitted against a well organised lobby campaign.
On the one hand the river is protected from large water projects. On the other, economic development and job creation opportunities are forgone.In southern Africa - with its mostly fledgling liberal democracies - power struggles between political stakeholders are the order of the day. These democracies are also part of an economically and technologically connected world.
The environment and economic development need rivers with good quality and sufficient water. But values of certain political actors will continue to be influential.