'Act now', governor says on Lüderitz port expansion

ǁKharas governor Dawid Gertze has described the rapid expansion of the Port of Lüderitz as a matter of national urgency, warning that delays could cost Namibia investment, jobs and opportunities linked to offshore oil and gas development.

"The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) Lüderitz Port Expansion Proposal will transform the existing port facility from a modest regional port into a world-class offshore oil and gas support hub that could unlock billions of dollars in economic activity and create thousands of jobs," he said last week. "It is a matter of national urgency, driven by the rapid emergence of offshore oil and gas exploration along Namibia's southern coastline."

He said Namport has warned that failure to expand the port could divert operations to Walvis Bay, South Africa or Angola.

"With major port infrastructure requiring at least three years to complete, every delay narrows Namibia's window to secure its place in the global energy supply chain," the governor warned.

"The time to act is now, before opportunity sails away from Lüderitz's shores."

He said the country cannot afford "this historic opportunity to drift to South Africa or Angola, nor can we accept a future where our youth remain unemployed while prosperity passes our shores".

He added that the current port can only sustain the exploration phase and that the upcoming development and production phases will require large-scale expansion to handle increased vessel traffic, logistics and industrial operations.

Community worries

Gertze acknowledged that the proposed expansion had raised heritage, environmental and community concerns over Shark Island, which carries historical and spiritual significance.

"The concerns raised regarding heritage and ancestral sites are deeply respected. Our history and the memory of those who came before us must always be honoured. Yet progress must also be guided by science and evidence-based decision-making," the governor said.

He said the concerns will be addressed "respectfully and transparently".

In line with this, Namport commissioned specialist studies, including archaeological surveys, underground heritage investigations, and noise and visual impact assessments.

"These independent investigations found no underground human remains within the proposed development area,” the governor said.

Gertze said expert teams had recommended mitigation measures to ensure development proceeded responsibly while respecting cultural and environmental heritage.