Sostenus Wilherm
The SWAPO Party Youth League (SPYL) has renewed its opposition to phosphate mining in Namibia, calling for the Environmental Clearance Certificate issued for the activity to be urgently reviewed and set aside.
In a statement issued on Friday, SPYL Secretary Ephraim Nekongo, said the youth wing had maintained a consistent position against phosphate mining since 2019.
He argues that the protection of Namibia’s marine resources, fishing industry and the livelihoods of communities should take precedence over short-term extractive interests.
“Since the year 2019, we have maintained a consistent conviction that the protection of our marine resources, the sustainability of our fishing industry, and the health and livelihoods of our people must take precedence over short-term extractive interests,” Nekongo said.
SPYL said Namibia’s fishing industry remains a critical pillar of the economy, contributing approximately 4.1% to gross domestic product and generating about N$14.3 billion.
The sector employs around 19 440 people, with the league warning that any activity that threatens the industry could have wider economic and social consequences.
According to SPYL, phosphate mining presents significant environmental risks, including habitat destruction, toxic water pollution and the generation of radioactive waste.
The league said both land-based strip mining and proposed marine dredging operations could negatively affect ecosystems and communities dependent on healthy marine environments.
“These irreversible impacts cannot be justified in the name of temporary economic gain.”
The youth league has therefore called for the Environmental Clearance Certificate to be reviewed and subsequently set aside, arguing that Namibia’s marine resources must be protected for future generations.
SPYL also urged Cabinet to take greater responsibility for decisions surrounding the granting of Environmental Clearance Certificates, arguing that such decisions should not be left solely to administrative officials without direct political accountability to citizens.
“Ministers have a clear constitutional mandate to take full charge of their ministries,” Nekongo said.
The league said it would continue advocating for the protection of marine resources and sustainable development of the fishing industry, maintaining that Namibia’s environmental heritage and long-term economic interests should guide decisions on phosphate mining.
