Agriculture, tourism the future
||Kharas have the means to take full advantage of economic opportunities through socially inclusive enterprise development to enhance regional economic transformation.
whilst the trademark economic sectors of mining and fishing remain the backbone of the region's economy, agriculture and tourism have growth potential, says Aletha Frederick, ||Kharas regional governor.
Frederick made these remarks while delivering her first State of the region address (SORA) on Wednesday, in which she highlighted the region’s challenges and achievements during the 2019/20 financial year.
She mentioned that the region is a high-end profitable tax-generating area, which predominantly comes from diamond mining for the central government.
She was quick to note that, however, that the untapped potential of the ||Kharas region lies in the agriculture and tourism sectors.
'As a region, we have the means to take full advantage of economic opportunities through socially inclusive innovation and enterprise development and in our journey to regional economic transformation, we must use our natural resources sustainably, prudently, and strategically,' she added.
Frederick said it is reasonable that while maintaining a predominantly small stock-farming area consisting mostly of animals such as sheep or goats, the region can become a national magnet for game farming and irrigation farming along the Naute Dam, Orange River and newly completed Neckartal Dam.
Opportunities
'The well documented hydro-geological or underground water reserves in the region present new and massive growth opportunities, provided there is an appropriate and proportionate investment in the green economy of ||Kharas region,' noted Frederick.
She said the region is blessed with globally-renowned attractions including the Hot Water Springs at Ai-Ais, Warmbad, |Ganigobes and the Kokerboom Forest, the Fish River Canyon, the Brukaros Mountain, the coastal town of Lüderitz and several guest and game farms which have become important tourist attractions.
She further said the region is open for business, global trade and small and medium enterprise development.
'I must however unapologetically state that ||Kharas will no longer be exploited for its resources. All business ventures must balance interest with respect for people, profits, and sustaining our pristine environment,' she stressed.
Desmund Andreas, a community member, applauded the governor for a well-articulated statement, adding that the agricultural sector can address the issue of unemployment, even though it is a low-paying industry.
'I am highly impressed. There is one thing that I am inquiring every day, why does this region with all its resources has to remain poor, he questioned.
She has made a promise that the region will not be exploited anymore and I hope that she will address that issue,' said Andreas. - Nampa
Frederick made these remarks while delivering her first State of the region address (SORA) on Wednesday, in which she highlighted the region’s challenges and achievements during the 2019/20 financial year.
She mentioned that the region is a high-end profitable tax-generating area, which predominantly comes from diamond mining for the central government.
She was quick to note that, however, that the untapped potential of the ||Kharas region lies in the agriculture and tourism sectors.
'As a region, we have the means to take full advantage of economic opportunities through socially inclusive innovation and enterprise development and in our journey to regional economic transformation, we must use our natural resources sustainably, prudently, and strategically,' she added.
Frederick said it is reasonable that while maintaining a predominantly small stock-farming area consisting mostly of animals such as sheep or goats, the region can become a national magnet for game farming and irrigation farming along the Naute Dam, Orange River and newly completed Neckartal Dam.
Opportunities
'The well documented hydro-geological or underground water reserves in the region present new and massive growth opportunities, provided there is an appropriate and proportionate investment in the green economy of ||Kharas region,' noted Frederick.
She said the region is blessed with globally-renowned attractions including the Hot Water Springs at Ai-Ais, Warmbad, |Ganigobes and the Kokerboom Forest, the Fish River Canyon, the Brukaros Mountain, the coastal town of Lüderitz and several guest and game farms which have become important tourist attractions.
She further said the region is open for business, global trade and small and medium enterprise development.
'I must however unapologetically state that ||Kharas will no longer be exploited for its resources. All business ventures must balance interest with respect for people, profits, and sustaining our pristine environment,' she stressed.
Desmund Andreas, a community member, applauded the governor for a well-articulated statement, adding that the agricultural sector can address the issue of unemployment, even though it is a low-paying industry.
'I am highly impressed. There is one thing that I am inquiring every day, why does this region with all its resources has to remain poor, he questioned.
She has made a promise that the region will not be exploited anymore and I hope that she will address that issue,' said Andreas. - Nampa
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