Karas Region Seeks Investment For Meaningful Development

 

Karas Region is Namibia’s largest Region with a total geographical size of 161,325 square kilometers with a tiny population of around 75000 spread in smaller communities over six constituencies of the Karas Region. Some Namibians are reluctant to travel to the deep South saying it is too far. I always asked far from whom? In most cases I don’t get satisfactory answers. Is it perhaps not time now, over thirteen (13) years after our hard won National Independence we appreciate the total size of Namibia and to consider the country as a single constituency. Of course, ‘never been to the South’ Namibians are strongly encouraged to pay their first ever visit and discover the scenic beauty of the greater Karas Region. This invitation includes our respectable members of the business fraternity in particular representatives of retail groups. If one conducts a study on investment opportunities available down South, I am sure if you invest quickly and wisely you end up a ‘millionaire’ over night. Those hitting this call will undoubtedly be pleased to having accepted the challenge.

 

Since Independence Karas Region has enjoyed its full share from the national cake in terms of national development by attracting significant private investments and economic infrastructure. The harbour town of Lüderitz with its turbulent and painful past is now a symbol of economic hope and development for the greater Karas Region due to its strategic location. Overall Karas Region holds a promising future for the rest of the country. It is home to important mining houses, fishing, tourism and emerging agricultural sector. As you know, Lüderitz is accessible by air, road, and sea and sooner by train after the completion of the rehabilitation exercise of the Aus-Lüderitz Rail link currently underway. Lüderitz is aspiring to become a flourishing industrial city in few years to come. This ambition is equally shared by His Excellency, Dr Sam Nujoma. The leaders responsible for the realization of this achievable and realistic goal are committed to take on this challenge head-on and unconditional.

 

Pre-independence politics surrounding the ownership of Walvis Bay and the off-shore islands is still fresh in our minds. The former apartheid South African Regime kept a tight grip on Walvis Bay to advance its political and economic interests in Namibia at the expense of rightful owners, the genuine and patriotic Namibians. The alternative port of Lüderitzbucht built during German occupation was left deliberately to deteriorate and to become economically redundant. It almost lost its economic status, the colonizers applied the same strategy by leaving the Aus-Lüderitz Railway line in the state of disarray. This is how the former apartheid South African Regime portrayed Namibia as an artificial landlocked country to the international community. Consequently, economic stagnation was the order of the day during the 70s and 80s, mass exodus of people deserting Lüderitz for green pastures elsewhere in Namibia, especially young professionals.

 

At Independence the Swapo-led government realized the need to restore the economic strength of the SOUTH by developing its economic infrastructure. The creation of the Regional Councils and democratization of local Authorities in Namibia made things manageable at sub-national levels.

 

I remember reading a ‘most disturbing’ article of my political life, which appeared in the local English daily. The article was written by my good brother, well-known Lazarus Jacobs. It was around 1993 when he just arrived from Lüderitz on a working visit. He was touched by what he saw, the worrying housing conditions and declining living conditions at the town. Mr Jacobs had no other option but to put pen on paper and compile his ‘calumnious’ report by saying “Lüderitz is well on its way to become another ghost town, it is just a matter of months”. He went on to urge the last person leaving Lüderitz, please to make sure that all lights are switched off and doors closed. Put up a clear notice: NO ENTRY – TOWN CLOSED FOR INDEFINITE TIME! This was indeed a great challenge to everybody who loves the beauty of Lüderitz. The only wise thing to do, to prevent Jacobs’ prediction becoming a reality was to create an enabling environment for growth and development. Inject confidence in order to rejuvenate economic activities. The Waterfront Development Project at Lüderitz is the first of its kind in Namibia. It was a fitting response to the challenge posed by the Article written by Mr Jacobs. This is a continuous Development Project. It is now up to the locals to initiate activities embedded in the Namibian cultures, traditions to attract massive tourists to this place. The outdoor recreational facilities appeal for more exciting tourism. Lüderitz inhabitants must ensure movement of people going through both the harbour and market square of the Waterfront. The boat operators must be able to entice visitors to take them around the islands and Diaz Point. Of course, at a cost and when weather permits. The relationship between Kolmanskop ‘Ghost Town’ and the Waterfront and Sea is also expected to grow as a result of enthusiastic train tourist in a not too distant future.

 

Today the improved port and harbour facility is boosting development at this windy town. The upgrading of Lüderitz air facility for commercial and security reasons is of utmost importance to Karas Region. All improvement should aim at semi-international status of the airport. It must become accessible during nights not only by ‘mosquitoes’ but larger aircrafts for business purposes. Safe air control systems, proper terminal building must be erected to provide friendly and reliable services to clients and passengers alike. After all, an airport is a point of entry, it is our primary responsibility to provide warm welcoming atmosphere to all our visitors. There is no question about this matter.

 

The most exciting development is the rehabilitation of the Aus-Rosh Pinah Road, which will later connect the diamond-mining town of Oranjemund. This basically means we are now in a fortunate position to promote the SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR, which extends from the port of Lüderitz through Rosh-Pinah/Skorpion into the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. I am of the opinion that a multi-disciplinary business team be constituted under the supervision of government as a matter of urgency. The team will be tasked to look into all possible investments and business opportunities. This important CORRIDOR must be transformed into rewarding business relations for the benefit of Namibia and South Africa.

 

It is high time Namibia’s corporate sector starts focusing its attention in the SOUTH. I welcome Namdeb’s recent multi-million mining investment aimed at extending the life of the mine of Elizabeth Bay, a satellite mine near Lüderitz. It is hoped this development is not only going to bring sophisticated mining equipment but much needed specialized skills base and spin-offs benefits into town and neighbouring areas. These events clearly challenge local retail groups to step in and provide much needed services to the people in and around the growth points in the SOUTH.

 

It would appear as if Decentralization is not well understood by our partners in the business fraternity. I am not referring to government-owned parastatals, but business personalities in the private sector. Today, Lüderitz is desperately looking for private investment in the areas of property development. Well-established economic sectors at the town justify investment in this direction. For instance a modern one-stop shopping mall, private schools, recreational facilities, private housing, flats and provision of office space for rent will attract companies to set up branches at Lüderitz. These are possible investment opportunities. Government has done its part and continues to maintain favourable investment climate in the country.

 

During February this year, the Karas Regional Council convened high profile labour relations Seminar at Lüderitz. The event was specifically designed to seek possible solutions to turbulent labour trends on the Region has gone through. The Minister of Labour, Honourable Marco Hausiku in his marathon Opening Statement described the holding of the event as timely, appropriate and setting sign posts at national level.  Definitely, this event marked another milestone in the post-independent labour-relations in Namibia. Participatory culture, transparent dialogue and maintaining stable working relationship are key ingredients in the areas of sound labour relations. Labour-related differences should not be given chance to develop into conflicts. All differences of opinion should be resolved speedily, amicably in the most civilized manner and at the lowest level possible. The conclusion of this historical event could be summarized as follows: Employers, unions and employees will assume necessary political will to be analytical and honest in their dealings with one another, become relevant and share corresponding responsibilities within a workplace situation.

 

The Karas Regional Council is now preparing for an INVESTORS’ CONFERENCE under the proposed theme “NAMIBIA’S KARAS REGION: RICH IN RESOURCES - READY TO DO BUSINESS”. This ambitious programme should most likely include commercial exhibitions. About 200 potential local and international investors are expected to attend around March 2004. The bottom line is to boost the regional economy in response to Namibia Vision 2030. Recently we have approached our able Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Hidipo Hamutenya to assist in this process in view of Economic Diplomacy, which, his Ministry vigorously pursues as cornerstone of Namibia’s foreign policy. Economic Diplomacy may also mean that all our diplomats abroad will now be measured by the level of investments they are able to attract into Namibia. The Karas Regional Council is prepared to take full advantage of Economic Diplomacy. The governing party has appointed the Honourable Minister Hidipo Hamutenya as the political head of national leaders assigned to the Karas Region. He is well-known for his effective leadership and we trust that his political support in the preparation of the INVESTORS’ CONFERENCE would undoubtedly go a long way in addressing national challenges.

 

In my view Karas Region stands a great chance to achieve early industrialization of its economy. This requires enthusiasm of all Karas residents, proper co-ordination of business activities at regional level and continous central government support. A number of political initiatives are being considered aimed at rising economic status of the Region. Recently Karas Region delegation held strategic meetings with some of Namibia’s top political leaders, heads of government-owned parastatals and economic Ministries. These engagements were not only aimed at sensitization on this subject but very cordial and forward looking.

 

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