Rosh Pinah proclamation stalled

PLANS to proclaim the privately owned southern mining town of Rosh Pinah as a town could take up to two years.

Rosh Skor acting town manager Callie van Heerden told The Namibian that the proclamation task team was dragging its feet to draw up an agreement between Government, the Skorpion Zinc Mine and Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation. ‘The mines need this agreement to table it to their shareholders to get approval to have the infrastructure cost written off,’ said Van Heerden.He added that a cloud of uncertainty also surrounds an issue whether Government would recognise lease agreements Rosh Skor, currently running the town affairs, had entered into with private developers. He said the pricing of land after the proclamation also remains a concern that has not been discussed yet. He expressed misgivings about the proclamation, questioning the town’s sustainability when mining operations come to end.’Currently the town heavily relies on the mines for sustainable development,’ he said. ‘The big question remains, what would happen after the mines’ lifespan?’The lifespan of Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation is projected at 15 years, while the projected lifespan of Skorpion Zinc Mine is seven years.Local Government Permanent Secretary Erastus Negonga said Government was only waiting for a formal commitment by the mines to waive compensation for the N$32,8 million they have spent on infrastructure at the town.He added that an indication was also needed from Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation that it would not go head with its application to the Mines and Energy Ministry to expand mining. ‘We (Government) have no issue to go ahead with the proclamation if we get clarity on the aforementioned issues,’ said Negonga. ‘If the residents, Rosh Skor and investors are committed, there is no doubt about the survival of Rosh Pinah,’ he said. luqman@namibian.com.na