Uvhungu-Vhungu’s N$46m funding gap

There is not enough funding to ensure the Uuvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in the Kavango East Region operates at its full capacity.

This according to Rundu Rural constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu, who voiced concerns during a visit by Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The visit was aimed at addressing food insecurity in the country.

“I also raised the issue of insufficient funding of this scheme during the State of the Nation Address. We are very fortunate to have a green scheme in the constituency, however, this green scheme is faced with various challenges including inadequate funding for maximum production.

“The green scheme currently requires about N$46 million to ensure maximum production,” Mbangu revealed.

Challenges

According to him, the scheme grapples with challenges such as high electricity rates, which persist despite appeals to the agriculture ministry.

“We addressed this matter with the minister on several occasions, but until today, it's continuing. It's called higher demand charges. Other challenges include insufficient resources such as combined harvesters, storage facilities, the unavailability of parts and a weighbridge, and a shortage of vehicles for the project.”

Mbangu added that the scheme also faces administrative issues due to centralised decision-making.

“If a tyre burst on the tractor, the manager is powerless. They can’t do anything except write a letter to Windhoek for assistance and approval. Windhoek expects the manager to send a quotation, and then that quotation will go back to Windhoek again. Depending on the time they see it, they will then give the green light and tell the manager to go get new tyres. I believe that this doesn’t work in agriculture because there is a fixed planting season. Once you skip that, there is a problem because you won’t be able to have a maximum harvest,” he said.

Community concerns

He further highlighted community concerns, particularly from the farmers who surrendered their land to make way for the green scheme.

“Often at community meetings, I am confronted with questions by small- and medium-scale farmers. These farmers want to know why none of them have been considered. The effectiveness of the current government models in addressing community needs is being questioned, hence, I believe there is a need to revisit the model to ensure better alignment with community interests,” Mbangu added.

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