KEETMANSHOOP - McDonald Hanse, mayor of Keetmanshoop said the inclusivity of //Kharas and Hardap residents to benefit from opportunities presented by the envisaged green hydrogen project in the southern part of the country will ensure that the voices of the people are heard, their perspectives are considered and contributions acknowledged accordingly. 

He said this when delivering the welcoming remarks during the launch of the socio-economic development (SED) framework in the southern town two days ago. 

“The appointment of //Kharas Regional Council chairperson, Joseph Isaacks as member of the green hydrogen council, demonstrated President Hage Geingob’s office and government’s efforts to ensure inclusivity and recognising the value of involving local people in the vital endeavour,” he explained to stakeholders present. 

Hanse continued that this inclusivity will automatically add up to transparency, collaboration and collective decision-making processes. 

“By actively engaging the local community in the green hydrogen initiative, we can foster a sense of ownership and pride, promoting a more robust and resilient economy in the two regions,” he said.  

He added that it is, therefore, important to prioritise giving employment opportunities and procurement to locals of the southern region. 

“It is because of the previous exclusion of people from the south in the mainstream economy of the country that Cabinet adopted a white paper called ‘The Plight of the Southerners’ during the tenure of President [Hifikepunye] Pohamba,” said Hanse. 

The politician also, during the event acknowledged that renewable energy holds the key to addressing not only the energy needs of Namibia, but also the global challenge of climate change. 

“It is indeed a path that leads us away from deception of finite resources towards a cleaner, greener and more resilient future,” he said. The mayor was also adamant that, embracing renewable energy is not a choice, but rather a moral obligation one owe to the planet and its inhabitants. 

Hanse went further to call on Geingob and Hyphen to give southerners preference in terms of employment opportunities derived from the green hydrogen project this time around.