UDF's Stephanus !Gobs said the higher prices of fuel and electricity could accelerate deforestation, as many people would resort to wood fires.

He called on the Ministry of Mines and Energy to fully implement the renewable energy programme, as this remains the main option for the rural poor.

But !Gobs also applauded the Ministry's Rural Electrification Programme, saying many areas in his Kunene Region had benefited from it.

He further appealed to the Ministry to look for ways of supporting small miners to make their work easier.

He said the activities of small-scale miners were curtailed by a lack of necessary equipment to mine semi-precious stones.

They also lacked a market for their stones, he said.

He also wants the Mining and Labour Commissioners to visit small miners in his region because those who employed them treated them unfairly.

"Most of them are foreigners and they want to impose foreign principles on our people, which is unacceptable," !Gobs claimed.

He was speaking in the National Council on Monday during debate on the N$152 million allocated the Ministry of Mines and Energy in the 2008-2009 National Budget.

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