KOËS – It is imperative for government to assist citizens so that they become self- sustainable, considering these challenging times of coronavirus, said Keetmanshoop rural constituency councillor Elias Kharugab.

He made these remarks while undertaking follow up visits at ongoing community projects initiated through his office. 

Vytjie Hanse, one of the beneficiaries who received 10 goats last year, despite the devastating drought, has through perseverance and acquired farming skills increased her small livestock total to close to 50 goats. “Through the grace of God, I have never given up hope and what you see here today is the result of hard work and sacrifices,” she explained to New Era. 

She said in addition, she also sold some of her livestock at local auctions as a means of generating income for her family’s needs. The communal farmer said they received a piece of land from Koës village council for which they pay a minimal monthly rent. “It is my intention to plant fruit and vegetable on unutilised portion of land,” narrated Hanse.

Another beneficiary, Niklaas Kooper received a cement mixer, 200 bags of cement and other necessary equipment at the beginning of this year to start a brick-making project. 

“I only received land from the Koës

 village council to start my project last month and it is my intention to start producing building bricks once the country moves to the next stage of the prevailing state of emergency,” he explained. 

Kooper said as a means to empower unemployed youth, his project will employ six women and six men.

 “It is my sincere wish that bricks produced from the project will be used by government to build houses for poor community members, giving them a sense of ownership as I will sell many of the bricks to council in order to generate income for us members running the project,” he concluded.   

Another beneficiary, Stefanus van der Byl got a portion of fertile land for purposes of crop production from the Koës

 council. “I started with the project three weeks ago and have so far produced watermelons, i will further plant pumpkins, cabbages and beetroot,” he said. 

 Van der Byl intends to employ unemployed community members on a casual basis.

“I entered into an agreement with the village council that we will share the proceeds coming from the project on a 50/50 basis and I intend to consume my share and also sell some of the harvested produce,” enthused Van der Byl.

Kharugab during his visits said he will through stakeholder engagement and public funding continue to empower people who are willing to upgrade their living standards. 

He hopes his initiative would assist government to eradicate poverty and empower the needy.

– sklukowski@nepc.com.na