Statement by Mr. Luo Wei, Chairman of the Board of ERONGO SUNAM Desalination (Pty) Ltd, at the official launch of ERONGO SUNAM Desalination (Pty) Ltd and the ERONGO SUNAM Desalination Project.
Director of Ceremonies,
Right Honourable Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister of the Republic of
Namibia and Guest of Honour,
Honourable Ingenesia Zaamwani, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and
Land Reform, represented by Deputy Minister Honourable Ruthy Masake,
Honourable Modestus Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy,
Honourable Indileni Daniel, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
Honourable Nathalia /Goagoses, Governor of the Erongo Region,
Mr. Wei Jinming, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy
Mr. Liu Haijun and the leadership of CGN Group,
Mr. Abraham Nehemia, Chief Executive Officer of NamWater,
Members of the SUNAM Board,
Distinguished Guests in your respective capacity,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good evening,
It is my great honour and priviledge, in my Capacity as Board Chairperson, to speak on behalf of the Board of Directors of ERONGO SUNAM Desalination (Pty) Ltd at this important occasion. Tonight, we officially launch ERONGO SUNAM Desalination (Pty) Ltd and the ERONGO SUNAM Desalination Project. This is an important milestone for our shareholders as it is for the Erongo Region in particular and Namibia as a whole. The establishment of Erongo SUNAM Desalination (Pty) Ltd represents the successful implementation of the Cabinet Resolution which directed the creation of a joint venture between NamWater Ltd and Swakop Uranium (Pty) Ltd for the development of a new desalination facility. The primary purpose being to strengthen Namibia’s long-term water security and support sustainable economic growth as envisaged in successive National Development Plans. The Erongo Sunam Desalination Project is a strategic national infrastructure investment valued at approximately N$2.1 billion and will deliver approximately 20 million cubic metres of climate-independent water annually to the Erongo Region and Namibia’s broader economy. Water has been one of the key developmental constraints to industrial growth in the mining sector in particular and the Erongo Region in general. The ERONGO SUNAM Desalination Project is a practical response to this challenge. It creates a platform for future investment, job creation and much needed regional development. The board understands the gravitas of the responsibility that comes with this project. Equal to the task, we commit to ensuring that the project is implemented with requisite discipline, transparency and a strong focus on true national benefit. The Board further recognizes Government’s emphasis on broad-based national participation and localisation throughout the project lifecycle. As the project advances towards implementation, Erongo SUNAM Desalination (Pty) Ltd remains committed to maximizing opportunities for local participation through various embedded instruments in its operations including but not limited to financing, contracting, procurement, skills development, employment creation and long-term value creation for the national economy. We are deeply grateful to the Government of the Republic of Namibia for its Leadership and support. We thank the Right Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Ministers for their presence and for the national leadership they provide across the sectors connected to this project. We thank NamWater, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abraham Nehemia, for its national mandate, water-sector experience and continued partnership. We also thank Swakop Uranium and CGN Group for their commitment, investment and long-term confidence in Namibia. Right Honourable Prime Minister, your presence here this evening gives great significance to this occasion. It demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to key infrastructure development, water security and economic growth.
As Chairman of the Board of SUNAM, I wish to assure all stakeholders that ERONGO SUNAM Desalination Pty Ltd will work diligently to advance this project and to deliver on its intended purpose. Tonight, as we launch the SUNAM Desalination company and project, we also launch a long term commitment to Namibia’s development.
Thank you.
