ARANDIS – Arandis constituency councillor Benitha Imbamba, has praised the progress of green hydrogen projects in the area but voiced concerns over the lack of consultation with local leaders regarding these developments.
Imbamba said that while high-level engagements are taking place, local councillors and stakeholders are often left out of critical discussions.
“Consultations start at the highest offices, yet on-the-ground consultation with local authorities, regional councils, and the Office of the Governor is not happening enough,” she stated.
She emphasised that regional and local representatives must be actively involved in developmental efforts in the region.
“We need to be part and parcel of the developments in the region because the Erongo Regional Council itself must monitor development and be at the forefront.”
Imbamba expressed frustration over not being informed about major projects taking place within her constituency.
“Imagine being a councillor, and something is happening within your jurisdiction, but you are unaware because you are not being properly informed,” she said.
“We don’t even know who the investors in these projects are. We do not know what’s really happening. But we are thankful for the opportunities and developments in the region,” she said.
Her comments follow a visit by a European Union (EU) delegation to the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) centre in Arandis. During the visit, the EU signed a funding agreement for a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme focused on green technologies, set to begin in October 2025. Delegates also toured various facilities and visited the HyIron Oshivela Plant in Arandis.
As an elected leader, Imbamba said job creation is a key priority, and she stressed that the local population must benefit from these developments.
“These projects are not just for outsiders. There are simple jobs, like general workers, that should go to locals. At least 70% of such jobs should be given to people from the Erongo region,” she said.
“We have both skilled and unskilled labourers in our communities. While jobs are meant to benefit all Namibians, the expectations of our local people must also be met.”
She urged leaders at the national level to include regional and local authorities in all stages of development.
“We politely ask our central offices to make us part and parcel of these investments and developments happening in our regions,” she said.
Several green hydrogen projects are currently active in the Erongo region. Among them is a project by Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, the country’s first large-scale, solar-powered green hydrogen facility, which was officially launched recently. The HyIron Oshivela Plant, inaugurated in April this year, stands as one of the world’s largest primary production sites for green iron. At this stage, the plant is expected to reduce 27,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, which is equivalent to 50% of Namibia’s total power industry emissions. Another major initiative is the Daures Green Hydrogen Village, which benefits from the region’s rich natural resources. The project site covers 15,000 hectares, and a wind assessment campaign, supported by a meteorological mast, has been underway since October 2023 to evaluate the area’s renewable energy potential.