Gochas pleads for govt development assistance

The over 500 inhabitants of Gochas – through the village council – have asked government for assistance regarding infrastructure and job opportunities.Located about 110 km south-east of Mariental, residents claim the village has been neglected by the state, a situation which has forced the youth to resort to abusing alcohol.The village’s main attraction is a tourism business park, popularly known as the Gochas Business Park, which was constructed by government years ago. It is one of the village’s economic drivers as it serves as stop for tourists travelling to and from the Mata Mata border post.“This business park is a good initiative but it is not living up to its full potential. The young people of the village go and hang out at the park with alcohol and loud music, which disturbs visitors.“But we cannot blame them since they do not have a place of their own to have fun safely,” community member Lisma Swartz said.We need jobsApart from some government offices and the police department, the private sector offers little as far as job opportunities are concerned, villagers said.While surrounding farms employ a handful of people, many bemoan the low wages they are paid.Earlier this year, young people in the area petitioned the village council for land to venture into agriculture production.With plans in the pipeline to build a new road between Mata Mata and Stampriet, village councillor Teresia Cloete hopes Gochas residents will get job opportunities from that project.“Our finances do not allow us to do much for the young people and community members of Gochas. I call upon the government to come and sit with us, to engage by sharing ideas to help develop the village because we are really struggling,” she said.

Gochas pleads for govt development assistance

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-03

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Gochas pleads for govt development assistance

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-03

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