WALVIS BAY – Small-scale entrepreneurs from Walvis Bay received much needed assistance from the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency office last week , when the constituency councillor John Nangolo donated equipment worth N$100 000 to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the town.
The donations form part of government’s drive to promote development within communities by working through the constituency offices in various towns, which through applications identify SMEs that have the potential to grow but need assistance to realise their dreams.
The six recipients are the Utuseb-based Akasia Creation SME that specialises in arts and crafts, Youth Investment, SLA Trading Enterprises, Ditsa I Du Ho Investment, Lily Investment and Tutaleni Primary School. The recipient SMEs received the equipment for hair salons, catering, and building and computer equipment to enable them to grow their businesses.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony, Nangolo said the constituency office is “close to the community” and aims to provide people with assistance for development purposes.
He encouraged the recipients to use the donation and upgrade their projects into business enterprises that will yield success and create much needed jobs.
“The small grants are awarded in line with government’s objectives as identified in NDP4, high and sustainable economic growth, employment creation and increased income equality. Therefore I am convinced that you can turn the projects into viable SMEs that will eventually lead to economic growth, employment creation and also increase income equality,” Nangolo said.
He then reminded the recipients they are fortunate to have received assistance as many had applied for grants, and urged them to take ownership and add value to their businesses.
“You have the opportunity to fully utilize this donation. My office will conduct random unannounced visits as usual to assess the utilisation of the goods and equipment.
If you don’t use the equipment as required it will be returned to the constituency and given to others,” he said.
The entrepreneurs were also obliged to sign contracts that will serve as motivation for them to fully utilize the equipment.
The equipment will remain the property of the council for at least three years.
Eveline de Klerk