Residents should participate in development: Mutjavikua Erongo Governor Cleophas Mutjavikua has encouraged the residents of Okombahe to be at the forefront of economic discussions in the region, especially involving fisheries and mining, because of their proximity to these sources. “Your proximity to the sea should make you benefit more from fisheries,” Mutjavikua said at the annual Damara Traditional and Cultural Festival at Okombahe on Saturday.
He claimed that people from Okombahe are never present when important economic discussions take place.
“I am giving you a hint: a high-level discussion is currently under way to get desalinated water from the coast to Botswana. If you are quiet this pipe might pass through the Kuiseb River and go far from you.”
After praising the music of the Damara, Mutjavikua called on them to look at commercialising their traditional ornaments for the local and international markets.
He said people are tendering for the tar road from Swakopmund to Kamanjab but he does not see people from the area trying to participate.
“Try and fail and try again; young people should be in the front”.
Deputy minister of land reform Bernardus Swartbooi also spoke about the tarred road going through the Daures Constituency as a vehicle for economic development for the impoverished communities.
“This tar road is just a long black road that will not necessarily mean economic development; as an enabler yes, but the Damara community should make it work for them,” said Swartbooi.
NAMPA