WALVIS BAY – The Arandis Town Council (ATC) plans to capitalise on renewable energy, industrialisation and logistics to foster economic growth and job creation.
The town last Friday launched its 2024-2029 ambitious strategic plan, which will not only focus on these key areas but also on joint venture participation, green hydrogen to drive economic growth and sustainable development in the town.
The plan, launched in Swakopmund, is part of the Arandis Town Council’s (ATC) vision to align its objectives with national policies like Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan to transform Arandis into a thriving municipality.
The strategic plan not only identifies several key economic drivers for Arandis, but also aims to enhance the town’s service delivery, foster job creation and promote economic diversification while aligning with Namibia’s long-term goals.
Speaking during the launch, ATC CEO Stanley Norris said the town’s growing population and vast lands was one of the critical assets that would be instrumental in the towns quest of economic growth.
“By optimising land use, we aim to attract investment, create jobs and generate additional revenue.
This approach will not only enhance our municipal services but also contribute significantly to broader national objectives,” he said.
He added that the alignment of the plan with national goals, particularly the Harambee Prosperity Plan would position Arandis as a hub for sustainable development.
“Our strategic pursuits are underpinned by the invaluable support and guidance of strategic partnerships. As we embark on this transformative journey, our resolve remains unwavering in translating strategy into actionable plans,” he added.
Further, one of the most notable aspects of the strategic plan is the emphasis on green hydrogen and renewable energy, and that they are working closely with Cleanergy Namibia to establish a large-scale solar and green hydrogen production farm in Arandis.
The town’s mayor, Risto Kapenda, said Arandis has over the year been transitioning from a mining-dependent town to an industrialised hub, aiming to provide essential services to the mining sector from within the town itself.
“Arandis was just known as a small mining town created by Rossing.
But the local authority decided that we are not going to depend too much on mining.
We would rather set ourselves in motion for industrialisation,” he noted.
“We want the services to be in Arandis, rather than having them come from Walvis Bay,” he said.
Also speaking at the same occasion was Urban and Rural Development deputy minister Eveline !Nawases-Taeyele, who commended Arandis for its drive that aligns with Namibia’s vision of becoming a global hydrogen hub.
“This initiative will not only create local and regional employment but also position Namibia as a global hydrogen hub, significantly contributing to our national gross domestic product. Green hydrogen is no longer a distant dream.
It is a reality that demands action to address climate change and secure a sustainable future,” the deputy minister said.
She applauded Arandis for achieving 81% of its set objectives, including the construction of 136 houses, measures to reduce pensioner debts, the introduction of a pre-paid water system and the establishment of four new industries, resulting in the creation of 450 jobs.