RUNDU – The Shambyu Traditional Authority (STA) in Kavango East have welcomed the revival of the dormant Uvhungu-Vhungu Dairy Farm, located east of Rundu. 

During Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani’s recent visit to the Shambyu palace last week, the STA spokesperson Sebastian Kantema, on behalf of the STA, expressed concerns about the failed agricultural initiatives in the region, particularly the dormant Uvhungu- Vungu dairy project. 

The STA urged government to either put donated land to productive use or return it to the traditional custodians. 

They said the aim of providing land is for development, and not to keep it idle. 

Kantema, after listening to the president’s speech on Monday, said they are pleased that government is burning the midnight oil to ensure that the movement is seen to revive the said project. 

President Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah, during the launch of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), said the dairy farm is being revived. 

“The Government is in the process of operationalising the Uvhungu-Vhungu Dairy Farm in the Kavango East Region. De-bushing has already started,’’ she stated. 

Kantema said the move to revive the dairy farm is a welcome one, given the economic potential of the project. 

“The project will not only benefit Kavango East but the country as a whole. It will create employment as well as business opportunities. Our country imports milk and other dairy products, which will be curtailed if the project starts to operate. 

“Like I saw in India, local producers can also sell dairy products. That will mean growth for locals. Those benefitting from the project will develop their families,’’ he said. 

Through the Kavango East office, about 180 youths have been recruited to de-bush and clean the dairy project site.