Namsov, a subsidiary fishing company of Tunacor Group, opened Namibia’s first solar-powered horse mackerel fish processing plant at Walvis Bay on Thursday.
Apart from solar panels to generate power, the factory of 4 000 square metres houses refrigeration and cold stores, a canteen and truck loading bay.
It was built at a cost of N$300 million and will be able to process up to 25 000 metric tonnes of fish per year.
Tunacor group chairperson Sidney Martin said this has enabled Namsov to open its doors to newcomer quota holders to take up investment shares in the ownership of the factory.
He said this combined effort would result in successful land-based processing of horse mackerel.
“We are confident that this facility will contribute towards our government’s continued efforts to secure much-needed employment through the sustainable utilisation of natural resources,” Martin said.
Fisheries minister Derek Klazen officially opened the facility.
He called on fishing right holders to invest in onshore processing facilities which are related to improved products and market diversification.
“My wish is to see all right holders apply innovation, [and] remain sensitive to the needs of the people of our country especially with regard to the need for quality jobs, products and services,” Klazen said.
The new solar-powered plant has created 250 jobs.
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