Work or go on permanent leave –justice minister tells Otjiwarongo Biomass project

Minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel has told the Biomass Industrial Park project to begin operations come 25 October.

The project has experienced delays, and while construction is ongoing with a target commissioning in 2027, it is not yet in operation, with challenges including late starts for transaction advisory services and environmental and social impact assessments.

The project aims to utilise invader bush for energy and animal feed, creating jobs and fostering local business.

This comes after members of the Troika committee, a Cabinet committee established to oversee implementation of the United Nations Global Accelerator of Job Creation and Social Protection for Just Transitions, held their meeting on Friday at the Otjiwarongo Biomass Facility – built in 2020, but turned into a white elephant for the past five years.

The committee is chaired by Immanuel, and co-deputised by minister of finance, Ericah Shafudah and National Planning Commission director Kaire Mbuende, who were all present at the meeting.

At the meeting, Immanuel directed officials from various ministries and government agencies to “ensure that the facility is fully operational by 25 October , or else, they must each go on permanent leave”.

When fully operational, Immanuel said the plant is expected to create about 450 employment opportunities.

The delegation will visit other sites in the Otjozondjuapa region earmarked for biomass operations.

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