Niël Terblanché
Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the importance of developing local production and processing centres as a means to empower Namibia’s economy.
In a recent visit to Omaruru, she addressed a gathering of farmers in the Erongo Region.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s visit included engagements with farmers to discuss the various challenges they face, such as theft, vandalism, and the persistent severe drought conditions.
These issues have had a profound impact on food security and the overall well-being of the region’s communities.
The Vice-President also took part in several important activities during her visit.
She handed over bags of cement and gardening tools to the Omaruru Correctional Facility, a gesture aimed at supporting local agricultural initiatives.
Additionally, she inaugurated newly constructed classrooms at the Omaruru Primary School, the S.I. Gobs Senior Secondary School, and the Ubasen Primary School.
She said that the inauguration of the classrooms is indicative of the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure.
During the engagement session, Nandi-Ndaitwah provided a platform for dialogue, allowing resettlement beneficiaries and both commercial and communal farmers to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas.
“By developing production and processing centres, we can create more opportunities for local economic empowerment,” she said, stressing the need for collective efforts in addressing the region’s challenges.
Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated the critical need for these centres to support economic growth and resilience.
Neville Andre, the Erongo Regional Governor, shared the Vice President’s sentiments and acknowledged the difficult obstacles the farmers face.
“These challenges threaten not only food security but also the prosperity and well-being of our communities,” Andre said.
He also reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts and shared knowledge in devising effective strategies to combat these issues.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s visit to Omaruru and her dialogue with farmers and community leaders is seen as a positive step towards developing sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the region’s agricultural sector.
Her call for the establishment of production and processing centres resonates with the broader national goal of achieving economic resilience and empowerment and ensuring that Namibia’s communities are better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
