Shiimi upbeat about progress of development projects in //Kharas Region

The next phase of the Neckarthal Dam, which entails going into the irrigation scheme, should be fast-tracked so that Namibia can start producing food and create full self-sufficiency, employment opportunities and more economic activities for the //Kaharas region.

“We witnessed the work that was done at the Neckerthal Dam and now need to move to the next “production” phase,” said Ipumbu Shiimi, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economy, Industry, Public Administration and Planning.

Shiimi acknowledged that the committee, which is currently conducting oversight visits in the ||Kharas and Omaheke Regions to assess the progress of capital projects budgeted in the development budget (Development programmes for the MTEF 2023/24 - 2025/26), had productive discussions with various stakeholders in Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz. 

The committee members visited the NIDA-managed Naute Agricultural Project, looked at the aviation communication infrastructure at the airport and had discussions with the representatives of the Ministry of Works concerning various programmes in Keetmanshoop. 

“We learnt about the plans to expand the NIDA project. They, however, need to reorganise themselves and source more capital. We are not sure whether this capital should come from the state or if they can mobilise their own resources. Nida is an entity with assets, and we believe those assets can be packaged in such a way to allow them to finance some of the expansion plans,” said Shiimi.   

The committee arrived in Luderitz on Wednesday (28 January) and had a look at the roof replacement project currently underway at the Luderitz State Hospital. “They made significant progress and covered almost 70 percent of the work, which is very commendable. We understand the district hospital has got other needs that will be communicated to the regional office. We as parliamentarians are in support of this, because we believe the health of our people is not negotiable.” 

Shiimi encouraged the hospital management to ensure that they communicate their needs. “We as parliamentarians will support you when your requests are presented by the Minister of Finance in Parliament,” he said. 

Other projects and site visits on the itinerary included the fencing and maintenance of Bethanie Aerodrome, the rehabilitation of the Southern Railway Line Section Sandverhaar-Buchholzbrunn (40 km) and the upgrading and rehabilitation of the Aus-Lüderitz Railway Line. The committee members also took a look at the Marine Radar System and the upgrading and renovation of the old power station in Lüderitz. 

The committee members drove to Oranjemund via Rosh Pinah on 29 January to look at the upgrading of the NATIS Vehicle Testing Station and returned to Keetmanshoop for site visits of the informal traders market facilities, SME premises and selling points.

The comittee will depart for Gobabis via the Mariental-Aranos-Aminuis road and inspect the 135 km stretch of road upgrading to bitumen standard on 31 January. They will also visit the Trans-Kalahari Border Post at Buitepos in the Omaheke region to look at the construction of staff housing on 31 January.