Govt to stimulate growth in southern Namibia

GOVERNMENT is to embark on commercial projects in southern Namibia in order to stimulate economic growth after traditional leaders from the South asked President Hifikepunye Pohamba on several occasions to look into the socio-economic plight of people in that part of the country.

The matter was discussed at the 13th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Overall Policy and Priorities on December 2, and the committee reached consensus on the need to address poverty among the most seriously affected communities.
On December 9, the final Cabinet meeting for 2008, ministers approved several projects, such as the expansion of the karakul sheep distribution project, the establishment of a development trust, promotion of commercially growing hoodia plants for medicinal use, and the date plantation at the Naute Dam.
Cabinet also directed that the Government project to alleviate poverty among marginalised communities such as the San, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Libertina Amathila, should continue and be expanded.
The National Planning Commission (NPC), in co-ordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, will be instructed to initiate a hoodia project since the plant is indigenous to the South.
Cabinet further requested the Agriculture Ministry to expand the distribution of the karakul sheep distribution project in the South, initiate agricultural projects at the Naute Dam outside Keetmanshoop and encourage the creation of co-operatives.
Similarly, the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development should encourage the Karas Regional Council to establish a community development trust fund that could be used to address poverty.
Cabinet requested the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to consider the expansion of aquaculture projects in the South, while the Ministry of Trade and Industry should encourage the establishment of more industries in southern Namibia to promote job creation and skills development.
Cabinet also directed the Education Ministry to look into the establishment of a vocational training centre for southern Namibia, while the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement should acquire more land for resettlement purposes in southern Namibia.
In addition, the Ministry of Mines and Energy is urged to encourage the promotion of small-scale mining activities, especially in the South.