Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has ordered the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) to settle its outstanding N$300 000 electricity bill owed to the Gibeon Village Council to ensure power is restored at the Nida Industrial Park.
Ngurare issued the directive following reports that electricity at the industrial park had been disconnected for about three weeks, while recurring water cuts are also affecting operations.
He made the directive on Thursday during his visit to the Gibeon Industrial Park. He also established that the infrastructure remains largely underutilised, with several stalls unoccupied limiting opportunities for local entrepreneurs, particularly young people.
“I further direct that the park be transferred to the Gibeon Village Council, which has committed to offering affordable rentals to encourage local business development,” Ngurare says.
The move is expected to open the facilities to more young entrepreneurs, stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities in Gibeon.
The intervention seeks to address the underutilisation of the park while placing its management closer to the local community.
The village council is expected to use affordable rentals to attract businesses and entrepreneurs once the facility’s electricity and water challenges are resolved.
“Industrial infrastructure must ensure that they are functional and provide tangible economic opportunities for communities, particularly young people seeking to establish businesses and create jobs,” he says.
