Farmers fear for animals as Iraq war comes to Swakop

PEOPLE who live on plots along the Swakop River are concerned about the noise that will be caused by the filming of the television miniseries ‘Generation Kill’.

According to residents, rumours of “all-out war” breaking out near the plots is a concern for those who keep livestock such as horses, camels and chickens. They are also worried about the effect of possible explosions and machine-gun on wildlife in the area.”We heard rumours and read the papers on this war movie coming to town.”Now they are operating right here amongst us and apparently they are going to make real sounds like firing missiles and exploding bombs,” one farmer told The Namibian.Other concerns are the tracks that will be left in the desert by large military vehicles moving in and out of the camps.One camp, called Camp Methilda, is being set up about 15 km from the plots, while a boot camp for the training of actors is already in full swing.”First of all, I am against any war movie,” said another resident.”I am also very concerned about the effect the production will have on our environment.”However, Executive Producer Ted Burns gave the assurance that most of the sound effects would be digitally added to the footage at a later stage.He said the production would not disturb the peace at all, but added that there would be some explosions to add to the reality of the scenes.Freddie Kaukungua, who is the public relations officer of the Municipality of Swakopmund, said there are restrictions on the use of fireworks in residential areas and if the film crew intends to use explosives they would have to ask permission from the Municipality.They are also worried about the effect of possible explosions and machine-gun on wildlife in the area.”We heard rumours and read the papers on this war movie coming to town.”Now they are operating right here amongst us and apparently they are going to make real sounds like firing missiles and exploding bombs,” one farmer told The Namibian.Other concerns are the tracks that will be left in the desert by large military vehicles moving in and out of the camps.One camp, called Camp Methilda, is being set up about 15 km from the plots, while a boot camp for the training of actors is already in full swing.”First of all, I am against any war movie,” said another resident.”I am also very concerned about the effect the production will have on our environment.”However, Executive Producer Ted Burns gave the assurance that most of the sound effects would be digitally added to the footage at a later stage.He said the production would not disturb the peace at all, but added that there would be some explosions to add to the reality of the scenes.Freddie Kaukungua, who is the public relations officer of the Municipality of Swakopmund, said there are restrictions on the use of fireworks in residential areas and if the film crew intends to use explosives they would have to ask permission from the Municipality.