The youth of Leonardville, a village in the Omaheke region, are optimistic about the prospect of various opportunities that come with an operational mine in the area, despite concerns about environmental hazards.
Headspring Investments, a subsidiary company of Uranium One, is set to open a mine in the village.
Ebson Khariseb, the chairperson of the Leonardville youth group, shared they have engaged Headspring Investments on their mining activities, and how it will impact the community and environment.
He said there is potential for young people to gain new skills and gain employment.
“The mine could bring jobs and economic development to Leonardville, which could improve the livelihoods of us young people and our families. This could provide opportunities for skilled and unskilled labour, as well as spin-off businesses that support the mine’s operations,” noted Khariseb.
In response to the youth’s requests, several organisations, including the Vocational Training Centre (VTC), Cosdec, as well as various NGOs and educational institutions are stepping up.
These groups are offering a range of skills’ development programmes focused on areas like technical skills, entrepreneurship and environmental management.
He added that the mining company itself has also shown interest in supporting skills’ development initiatives.
“They understand the importance of helping local youth gain the skills they need to take part in the potential economic benefits of the mine. We youth want training in business management, financial literacy, marketing and entrepreneurship. This would enable us to start our businesses, creating self-employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy,” Khariseb said.
Despite their concerns about water pollution, the youth are interested in learning about environmental monitoring, water testing, and sustainable resources management.
This, he said, would empower them to play a role in protecting their environment, and ensuring the mine operates responsibly.
Vanessa Bohitile, the manager of Headspring Investments Rosatom, said despite the mine not yet being operational, the company is engaged in corporate social responsibility activities in Leonardville, and has made significant progress thus far.
“With the mine, there will be many opportunities, and many youths will be employed. So far, we have provided more than 15 bursaries to the youth of Leonardville, and as we speak, they are just waiting to be employed,” she said.
In addition, they have built an operational kitchen to feed school kids in the village, and continue to provide monthly support.
“The kitchen was built so that the learners don’t have to attend school on an empty stomach,” she stated.
She also mentioned that, in terms of healthcare, they have recognised the absence of a proper hospital, and are working on plans to build a clinic in Leonardville village.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na