N$1 billion Chinese tobacco plantation a done deal

Zambezi Region Governor Lawrence Sampofu at the weekend confirmed that a N$1 billion Chinese tobacco and maize project was given the green light. “The Mafwe Traditional Authority already gave them the land. We are just waiting for them to come and begin, said Sampofu. Responding to youth activist Job Amupanda’s objection to land given to foreigners, Sampofu said any investment is welcome in the region, regardless of its nature. “Those people (Namibia Oriental Tobacco cc) were here last month, but nothing has been done yet. They say it is a N$1 billion investment project, we will have to see if they have the money, said Sampofu. He said if the project gets off the ground it would help the region fight unemployment and poverty. “It is not only tobacco but other crops as well. Tobacco will be produced on a seasonal basis, after that it will be maize, potatoes and other crops, he said. A certain Mr Lee, however, said the deal securing the land is yet to be finalised and he could not confirm whether the company plans to invest N$1 billion. A Chinese national at the company’s office at 51 Jan Jonker Street in Klein Windhoek also pleaded ignorance. “We must first get the land. The money is our problem, but I cannot say anything else, the boss is not here in Namibia, he said before hanging up. Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and industry, Malan Lindeque, said his ministry has not been involved at all. Lindeque declined any further comment. It was revealed last year that the Chinese company planned a large-scale tobacco farm at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region, with China as the main export destination. The project has already been granted an Export Processing Zone status and a feasibility study has been done by the Windhoek-based Geo Pollution Technologies. The company warned in its study that the project might create a gateway for wildlife poachers. The study was completed in January last year and submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Questions sent to ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda about the tobacco project remained unanswered at the time of going to print. WINDHOEK JEMIMA BEUKES