Shiimi upbeat about progress of development projects //Kharas 

The next phase of the Neckartal Dam, which involves developing the irrigation scheme, should be fast-tracked so that Namibia can boost food production, achieve full self-sufficiency, create employment, and stimulate economic activity in the //Kharas 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, currently conducting oversight visits in the ||Kharas and Omaheke regions to assess the progress of capital projects included 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, inspected the aviation communication infrastructure at the airport, and met with representatives from the works ministry to discuss various programmes in Keetmanshoop.

“We learnt about the plans to expand the NIDA project," Shiimi said.

"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,” he added.

Jam-packed schedule 

The committee arrived in Lüderitz on Wednesday last week to inspect the roof replacement project currently underway at Lüderitz State Hospital.

“They made significant progress and covered almost 70% of the work, which is very commendable," Shiimi said.

He noted that discussions revealed the district hospital has needs, which 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 hospital management to ensure they communicate their needs clearly and in time.

“We as parliamentarians will support you when your requests are presented by the minister of finance in parliament,” he vowed.

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 visited the Marine Radar System and the upgrading and renovation of the Old Power Station in Lüderitz.

The parliamentary committee also travelled to Oranjemund via Rosh Pinah on 29 January to inspect the upgrading of the Natis vehicle testing station. They then returned to Keetmanshoop to visit informal traders’ market facilities, SME premises and selling points.

Next on the schedule was a visit to Gobabis via the Mariental–Aranos–Aminuis road to inspect the 135 km stretch of road being upgraded to bitumen standard on 31 January. The committee will also visit the Trans-Kalahari Border Post at Buitepos in the Omaheke region to review the construction of staff housing on the same day.