Local News Summary : News Headlines : Discussion Forums

Wednesday, April 24, 2002 - Web posted at 9:44:08 pm GMT

Fresh take on Ramatex

DEPUTY Minister of Higher Education, Hadino Hishongwa, has expressed scepticism about the beneficial effects of the Ramatex textile factory in Windhoek.

However, Hishongwa had a different spin on the impact of the Malaysian-owned factory, which has previously drawn fire over its potential damage to the environment.

The Deputy Minister envisages possible food shortages arising from the investment.

He told the National Assembly last week that because of the high demand for cotton Ramatex would generate, "all the farmers will start growing cotton while neglecting omahangu (millet). Nobody is going to plough omahangu and this nation is going to suffer."

He said Government must put in place a policy "so that we cannot be subjected to hunger".

Environmentalists have raised concerns about possible pollution from the textile factory and the level of its water use.

Ramatex and Government have dismissed their concerns.
Much of the factory's output is expected to be exported to the US market.