Stefanus Nashama
McHenry Venaani of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), last week, met with the retrenched fishermen who live in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
His journey was to inform the fishermen of the progress of his queries to both the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and President Nangolo Mbumba, during the State of the Nation Address.
During the State of the National Address, last week, Venaani questioned the efficiency of the Government Redress Employment Program.
Speaking to the fishermen, the leader of the official opposition called on all fishermen to be sent back to the sea, as per their will.
“This is what the fishermen want. They do not want to be employed as general and factory workers,” Venaani stated.
He further called on the government to give quotas to fishing companies that have vessels, and not entities that are politically connected and have no vessels to gainfully employ the fishermen.
Updating the media on Venaani’s visit, PDM Spokesperson, Roberto Dirkse, said Venaani met with close to 1000 unemployed fishermen.
“Mr Venaani and the fishermen received several written complaints by the fishermen, against the companies meant to employ them and the poor conditions under which they’re forced to work,” he said.
Dirske also informed Windhoek Observer that Venaani also met with the committee representing the various fishermen, which advised an extensive strategy meant to shed much-deserved light on the matter.
The advice also includes the protection of the workers’ interests in the end, he added.
According to him, Venaani also visited Farm 37, where residents raised developmental challenges concerning the lack of lights, access to basic amenities, and primary healthcare among others.
“He acquainted himself with the challenges faced by artisans and women at the Kovita Arts and Crafts Centre,” Dirkse said.
Adding that the Politician visited the DRC informal settlement with the leadership of the PDM DRC branch to assess the challenges the residents there face, which will ultimately guide his strategy in parliament to bring more attention to the matter.
