Ondangwa fish project targets job, food security

After years of standing unused, five water ponds at Ondangwa are being revived under a new aquaculture project led by Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge.

The project, driven by regional and local authorities, is expected to start before the end of January as part of efforts to boost food security and economic activity in the area.

Governor Iipinge convened a meeting this week with Ondangwa Urban constituency councillor Leonard Negonga and Ondangwa Town Council officials to oversee the revival of the ponds, which have remained idle for years.

“This project will establish a standalone aquaculture initiative for the Oshana region and contribute meaningfully to the local economy through fish production and harvest,” Iipinge said. He confirmed that his office will supply 50 pipes, each measuring 160cm, to pump water into the ponds, while funding arrangements are already underway.

According to the governor, the project is expected to create employment for more than 50 young people, while also generating indirect jobs for the surrounding community. He said the fish produced will be sold locally at affordable prices to reduce reliance on imported products.

He said the project directly addresses youth unemployment and food insecurity at Ondangwa.

“Young people have already registered for this project, and they will benefit through jobs, skills development and access to training,” he said.

Negonga added that a group of young people will be selected to manage the project, including coordination, fieldwork and security duties, with training support from government experts.

To ensure sustainability, governance structures have been put in place, including a youth committee and a steering committee chaired by the chief regional officer.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, the University of Namibia (Unam) Ogongo Campus and the Ondangwa Town Council are providing technical guidance.

According to officials, progress has already begun. Two ponds have been rehabilitated, with fencing completed and water tanks installed. Water pumping, procurement of fingerlings, youth recruitment and construction of storage facilities are the next steps.

Senior fisheries biologist at the ministry, Michael Ekandjo, says aquaculture plays a key role in Namibia’s food security strategy.

“The ministry provides training, advisory services, subsidised fish feed and fingerlings to support small-scale farmers,” he says.

He adds that the ministry is in the process of developing an aquaculture value chain development programme, with a budget allocated for additional funding for the renovation, upgrading and maintenance of aquaculture infrastructure, including a fish feed plant, while improving visibility through enhanced extension service delivery and technical support.

Aquaculture expert and Unam associate professor Naftal Gabriel says policy reforms are needed to grow the sector.

“Small-scale farmers should be exempted from licensing, and equipment imports should be subsidised to encourage youth participation,” he adds.

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