WINDHOEK – Minister of Mines and Energy Isak Katali commended Skorpion Zinc for its contribution to socio-economic development and growth in the //Karas Region and Namibia as a whole.
“Apart from being fiducially accountable to its shareholders, Skorpion Zinc also shows a sense of responsibility which always come with accountability to the society for having exploited their natural resources,” said the minister at the launch of the Skorpion Zinc report to the society and the handover of computers to Welwitschia University on Thursday last week. Katali said during the period 2012-2013, Skorpion Zinc spent approximately N$6 million on social responsibility activities, not only in the //Karas Region where the company is based but, also further afield. “I always attribute this spreading of wings to the principle of the Namibian constitution that [designates] Namibia a unitary state. This, in the context of my speech implies that, Namibia is one big constituency and her resources belong to all of her people,” he said. Katali said the unique aspect about Skorpion Zinc is the fact that the company ensures that there is consultation with all stakeholders to understand their needs before they embark on any project. “This is indeed a good approach as it helps to avoid inappropriate technology,” he said.
Katali says although communities might not have benefited directly, indirectly we will all benefit from the company’s social activities. On his part, Skorpion Zinc general manager, Satish Kumar said. “Our [social activities] focus areas remain education, health, sports and youth development, skills training and livelihood upliftment,” he said. According to Kumar community investment programmes that centre on infrastructure development in areas such as education, health and sanitation are also regarded as important, because of the contribution they make to the sustainable development of local communities. “Effective engagement with our stakeholders is crucial for us to build long-lasting and effective relationship and our stakeholder consultation process has been vital for deepening our encounters with our stakeholders,” he said.
By Kuzeeko Tjitemisa