oth official Information Centres at the coast, Namib i and Walvis i, announced in a combined press release that with immediate effect they will not be able to sell permits for the Namib Naukluft Park, including Welwitschia, Blutkopje, Gobabeb and Sandwich Harbour. This decision had to be taken by the Management of both organisations due to failed negotiations with the local office of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism over an extended period.

Up to Monday 24 August 2004, both Info Centres have been selling permits over weekends and public holidays to the public at large when the Ministry offices are closed. Both Info Centres are non-profitable organisations with the aim to promote tourism to the region and this service was provided at no charge to either the public or the Ministry.

However, Namib i and Walvis i had to carry the brunt regarding administrative costs, eg salaries (overtime over weekends), photocopies etc and furthermore purchase the permits upfront on their own cashflow. Although repeatedly requesting assistance with at least the costs of photocopies and delivery of permits the Ministry refused to assist.

The Information Centres combined sold permits in excess of N$350 000 since July 2003 on behalf of the Ministry.

Namib i and Walvis i regret that this most vital service to tourism cannot be upheld any longer under the current circumstances and refer all requests for further information as to the sales and availability of permits over weekends and public holidays to local Ministry offices under Tel 064-404576.