Karas community not benefiting from economic growth – Nahas

LOCAL communities are not benefiting from economic growth in the Karas Region, says Prime Minister Nahas Angula.

“The Karas Region’s economy is typical of an enclave economy that exists amidst local poverty and unemployment,” he said. Launching the Karas Development Trust at Luederitz yesterday, the Prime Minister said the region’s economy was characterised by economic growth without development.This could only be turned around through a strategic partnership between State agencies, the private sector and civil society to get local people involved in economic activities, Angula said.”Rekindle the flame of partnership and empowerment and create a sense of hope among the community, especially our youth,” the Prime Minister said.Angula called on the Karas Regional Council, the initiator of the Trust, to start dialogue with the private sector and non-governmental organisations with a view to creating this partnership.The Karas Development Trust is aimed at promoting sustainable development and the optimal use of the region’s natural resources to the benefit of its people.”We don’t want fly-by-night ventures, but viable projects,” trust co-ordinator Michael Jimmy said at the launch.The Office of the Prime Minister pledged N$10 000 towards the fund at a gala dinner on Wednesday night.N$155 550 was pledged by individuals, the fishing sector, the diamond sector, other local businesses and local and town councils.Launching the Karas Development Trust at Luederitz yesterday, the Prime Minister said the region’s economy was characterised by economic growth without development.This could only be turned around through a strategic partnership between State agencies, the private sector and civil society to get local people involved in economic activities, Angula said.”Rekindle the flame of partnership and empowerment and create a sense of hope among the community, especially our youth,” the Prime Minister said.Angula called on the Karas Regional Council, the initiator of the Trust, to start dialogue with the private sector and non-governmental organisations with a view to creating this partnership.The Karas Development Trust is aimed at promoting sustainable development and the optimal use of the region’s natural resources to the benefit of its people.”We don’t want fly-by-night ventures, but viable projects,” trust co-ordinator Michael Jimmy said at the launch.The Office of the Prime Minister pledged N$10 000 towards the fund at a gala dinner on Wednesday night.N$155 550 was pledged by individuals, the fishing sector, the diamond sector, other local businesses and local and town councils.