Donation eases vocational centre’s transport woes

THE Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (Nimt) at Arandis was relieved of its long-time transport burden after receiving a donation of two buses from Rössing Uranium on Thursday.

This was announced in a media statement by the Rössing Uranium spokesperson Kaino Ilovu.

Ilovu said the donation, as part of the company’s corporate social investment footprint, is believed to be a huge score for Nimt, who have for long struggled to transport trainees to and from the vocational centre.

“The donation of the two 52-seater Higer busses, valued at N$2,4 million, will allow Nimt to replace some of its ageing fleet.

In addition, each bus is equivalent to replacing three smaller buses, thereby reducing the amount of traffic on the B2 highway between Arandis and Swakopmund, improving the safety of road users,” she said.

Present at the handover ceremony was Rössing Uranium managing director Johan Coetzee, who highlighted the strong relationship between the two organisations, dating back to 1990 when the mine constructed phase one of the vocational facility.

This was aimed to train and develop technically skilled Namibians to contribute to the growth of the country.

“For many years, Nimt has been a cornerstone and leader in training and producing skilled artisans for the Namibian mining industry, as well other businesses in Namibia having a need of the various artisan skills covered at this institution,” said Coetzee.

He added that nearly half of Rössing artisans have been trained at Nimt, which is testament to the contribution of centre.

“We, therefore, need no invite or permission to care for our own. Our contribution to the engines of education in this country are pure. It is solely a kind gesture for a corporate that understands the importance of providing services to the engines of education and the betterment of communities that will carry the brand Rössing, even when some of us are long gone,” said Coetzee.

Nimt executive director Ralph Bussel praised the work of Rössing, saying the donation is a huge relief of the transport burden at the institution.

Bussel said it will help with the continued hard work of Nimt in producing disciplined artisans who are qualified to take on industry.

“It is because of donations from Rössing that we are able to fulfil our mandate. Many of our products here are proud employees of Rössing, and we can only produce more qualified artisans with the help of the absorbing industry,” said Bussel.

Bussel also highlighted the transport troubles that existed at the institution, citing that most of their fleet is exhausted, with buses experiencing weekly ageing mechanical breakdowns.

“We really appreciate the work you continue to do for us. This is by most the biggest contribution to our institution, and it is surely a huge boost to fulfilling our mandate,” said Bussel