Martin Endjala
Hypen Africa Energy has revealed that it is looking at creating and implementing a local database that will focus on skills development and potential employees.
The project is aimed at closing the gap that has been identified in the Technical and Education Vocational Training (TVET) sector such as the National Training Authority and the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology amongst others, that offers training up to Level 5.
The Head of Hyphen Energy Environment, Social Governance, Toni Beukes explained that studies currently being conducted are mostly targeting researchers who require Levels 7 to 9, resulting in TVET graduates being left out
“As a result, we have decided to look at these gaps and try to address some of these shortcomings to align them with our Socio-Economic Development framework, which aims to ensure that all Namibians enjoy the benefits and opportunities that this project has to offer,” Beukes explained.
She indicated that the job seekers database will look at TVET graduates who are sitting at home with their level three and five certificates who do not have jobs, to be integrated into the project directly by training them or hiring them.
Meanwhile, the local capacity database skills development will look at the NTA and NIMT courses to see how they can incorporate the needed subjects for green hydrogen to capacitate TVET students.
“Skills development refers to education, training and capacity building initiatives by Hyphen and government that are necessary to support the employment of Namibia and youth under the project,” said Beukes.
The construction phase is estimated to create 15 000 jobs while the operation phase will employ 3000. 90 percent of Namibians are estimated to be employed with 20 percent being the youth.
This is all in line with the Feasibility and Implementation Assessment (FIA) agreement between the government of Namibia and Hyphen Energy guiding principles of the SED framework, which also includes local procurement inclusion.
This also includes supplementary infrastructure requirements such as the development of public services such as roads and utility supply infrastructure in Luderitz and Aus in the //Kharas region necessary to address the expected growth in population as a result of the project, as well as the provision of housing by Hyphen for its employees.
Enterprise and supplier development is another aspect the company will be looking at supporting to accelerate the development of Namibian businesses to capture opportunities arising from the project.
Hyphen has also encompassed its good faith by providing various baseline studies to provide the government with the data to determine what levels of localized employment and procurement are feasible in terms of employment and local procurement as part of the verification process.
The FIA monitors and evaluates the Hyphen’s activities throughout the construction and operation. It will also track and assess progress outcomes and impacts of the Hyphen’s implementation of the SED Strategy and Plan.
In terms of accountability for all this, Beukes said if Hyphen fails to meet the SED commitments, it can propose a remediation plan for government approval. Meaning that Hyphen’s failure to implement any approved remediation plan successfully may lead to financial consequences under the FIA.
“So, you see the pressure we have put on ourselves to make sure that we deliver on our commitments, we are determined to make this project work and that is why there won’t be shortcuts or corruption, we won’t tolerate it,” she said.
In terms of corporate social investment, the company will conduct a study to identify what is needed on the ground in such communities where the green hydrogen projects are being operated from.
“We want to do something for this community that will last forever, something that is meaningful, something that touches their lives forever, and not just builds something that will be forgotten in the next two years,” Beukes said.
