WINDHOEK, April 5 (Xinhua) -- An 11-year-old girl was killed by a crocodile on the Kavango River in the area of Shikoro village, Ndiyona Constituency of Kavango East Region, while fetching water from the river, an official confirmed Wednesday.

The incident occurred on April 1, Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, said in a statement. "This incident is unfortunate and concerning for the ministry, especially since a young girl had to lose her life in this manner. This is not the intent for our conservation."

Muyunda went on to caution communities living along the rivers in the northern and northeastern regions, and the general public, not to take risks against their lives.

"We understand that communities draw resources from rivers for their livelihoods. However, we encourage people must do so safely by taking necessary precautions at all times. Children should not be allowed to collect water by themselves but rather be under the supervision of an elder person. We strongly discourage conducting activities such as washing in or in proximity to the river," he added.

According to Muyunda, the ministry is currently working on practical and innovative preventative measures, such as the setting up of crocodile enclosures and water provision, as well as maximizing the benefits of conservation to ensure that the benefits outweigh the cost.

Muyunda said since 2019 the ministry has administered 33 claims for loss of life, of which 15 were in 2022 and two so far in 2023, with crocodiles, hippos, and elephants being the main scourge. Enditem

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