Niël Terblanché
New developments in the future of Green Hydrogen projects and how they would benefit residents of the Karas Region have been discussed at the grassroots level by the Namibian Head of State President Hage Geingob, who travelled to Lüderitz over the weekend to participate in open discussions with the residents of the Karas Region on the establishment of future projects during the Green Hydrogen Stakeholder Consultation meeting.
The capital projects are underpinned by the second evolution of the Harambee Prosperity Plan.
“Eventually, we will have Green Hydrogen as well as crude oil projects that have to be built. However, we should also ensure that all residents of the country benefit from these developments,” the President said.
He urged all participants to hold hands while moving forward in the spirit of Harambee to attain the country’s economic development in the future.
“Exclusivity causes conflict while inclusivity creates harmony. Let’s move on in harmony. Those who feel excluded must come in from the cold so that we can engage in discussions and answer questions,at the same time allow the experts to explain what is needed and how every person can fit into the bigger scheme,” Geingob said.
President Geingob pointed out that the prospected projects hold a lot of opportunities for all residents of the Karas Region.
“We must avoid at all costs not letting these opportunities slip through our fingers. Poverty must be addressed in this region as a matter of urgency,” he said.
Several speakers addressed the meeting to introduce the nature of their projects that will run parallel to the planned green hydrogen development.
Most of the speakers beseeched the central government for financial assistance to realize their projects in order to create more jobs for Namibians who live in the Karas Region.
While Lüderitz as a town, will become the hub of future developments, it might not be in a position to provide all the necessary services to people that are expected to move to the harbour town once these projects will start up.
The Mayor of Lüderitz, Benjamin McKay indicated that the Town Council needs urgent funding in order to facilitate the expected developments and to capitalize on the prospected growth opportunities.
“Lüderitz needs to be prioritised with urgency by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development,” McKay told the gathered participants.
The Mayor said that the discovery of oil off the coast of Namibia has already seen a partial revival of the local economy because of people being employed by the various oil companies.
He shared the same sentiments with regard to the revival of some of the diamond mining operations in the immediate area of Lüderitz.
“The eventual realization of the envisaged energy projects will definitely change the socio-economic landscape of Lüderitz, especially with a projected influx of more people looking for a better future,” Mckay said.
The Mayor added that the issue of urban planning and development and the financing thereof must be collectively addressed.
“Our local authority in Lüderitz is expected to create, expand, and develop certain facilities or infrastructure to provide the required municipal services to the community and, similarly, create a very conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The Lüderitz town council is currently tapping into its meagre resources to fund consultants and town planners for water and sewerage, electrical, and road infrastructure plans, and other studies to address the envisaged urban planning needs,” McKay said.
He was of the opinion that the Lüderitz town council in this regard will not be to be successful in isolation but that a collective effort from all ministries, agencies and offices.
According to McKay, Lüderitz should be regarded as a special case in terms of funding, to assist the Town Council in preparation of the various economic development projects.
