Rosh Pinah's town status under discussion

Stubenrauch Planning Consultants (SPC) on Tuesday hosted a meeting to sensitise community members about a feasibility and sustainability study being undertaken on the possible proclamation of Rosh Pinah as a town, village or settlement.

The main purpose of the study, according to SPC, is to assess the proclamation-readiness of the mining town.

RoshSkor Township, Trevali Mining Corporation, Skorpion Zinc and the //Karas regional council ordered the study, and according to SPC, a full report detailing the findings will be ready for submission in February 2023.

"It will include, amongst other things, town planning and environmental process analysis, local authority financing, cost recovery and sustainability principles," the company said.

Talk of the southern, privately managed town’s proclamation dates back more than 12 years. A survey of this magnitude will not only cement social and economic understanding but will also determine the sustainability of such a decision.

SPC added that the engineering services for municipal service delivery and ownership changeover will be one of the key focus points along with setting out legal expertise to guide agreements that need to be put in place.

A part of the picture

RoshSkor financial manager Alexander Maasdorp highlighted that once Rosh Pinah is proclaimed, land ownership will be boosted, and the town might then be able to contribute to and benefit from the national budget.

"This will help residents to possibly benefit from governmental objectives and programmes. The development of the town will thus be steered by a council with government funds," he said.

He made note of the financial burdens faced by government, which will see taxpayers having to dig deep to assist.

"We already see the economy trying to recover from a very unfavourable period; many people without employment and food, and so many other national problems."

"Thus, the ideal outcome would be to have sustainable businesses/projects established while the mines are still operational, allowing the town to transition before the transfer," he said.

Together

Rosh Pinah currently has no town council or municipal board.

Community activist Jimmy Boois highlighted the advantages of such structures, which could guide decision-making.

Boois added that the community hopes to acquire a town management structure that will consult with the community and work closely with them.

"The community's biggest concern is that we are not involved in the process from the beginning and that some individuals may cause a delay in the realisation of the proclamation.”