Khorixas
Minister of Urban and Rural Development Sophia Shaningwa has expressed shock at the slow rate of growth at the north-western town of Khorixas.
Shaningwa made the remarks in a speech delivered on her behalf during the official opening of Khorixas Agriculture and Tourism Expo that started yesterday.
“Why is Khorixas where it is for years? We need to interrogate this,” Shaningwa said in a speech read on her behalf by her deputy Sylvia Makgone.
Shaningwa feels the protection of small and medium enterprises should take precedence to maintain employment creation.
According to Shaningwa, even some villages are bigger than Khorixas as the town looks like a village.
“We need to start growing the economy bottom up, meaning we at the grassroots should start growing the economy and it is only then that we can guard it jealously not to be downgraded by racism and unnecessary ethnic and leadership tensions,” she said.
The challenge for the next years is to grow the local economy, suggested the urban and rural development minister.
“Our government fully supports initiatives such as this one because we believe that the private sector is the engine for economic growth, as it is in our national plan,” Shaningwa said.
In order to create wealth and improve the living standards of Namibians, business must continue to grow and flourish, she said.
Khorixas Mayor Tryphosa Moloto said the town council was equally concerned about the slow growth at the town and it is now incumbent upon the investors to start constructing malls.
Northern businessman Ben Hauwanga is expected to build a shopping mall at the town.
Moloto pleaded with Makgone to look into capital projects submitted by her town for approval.
“Please we have forwarded our capital project submissions, so please look into it,” said Moloto.
Shaningwa said that Namibia has to strive to produce resources that will enable it to end poverty amongst its people and ensure that all enjoy rising and decent standards of living.
She called on leaders to think about others before they think of themselves, as it is only then that they can practice true leadership.
In 2013, councillors led by Moloto travelled to Opuwo to meet then governor Joshua //Hoebeb to complain about lack of assistance for their projects.
Khorixas only has one supermarket and one clothing shop for its more than 5 000 residents, who have to travel to Otjiwarongo for their shopping.
Kunene Governor Angelika Muharukua, in a speech read by Outjo Constituency councillor Abraham Job, said the regional government continues to render full support to this event and to similar initiatives that are aimed at promoting economic trade and commercial activities in the region, which in the end is aimed at fighting hunger, unemployment and poverty among the region’s inhabitants.
Khorixas with its competitive advantages of proximity to the national heritage sites such as Twyfelfontein rock arts and paintings and the Petrified Forest can attract massive investments that will ensure decent employment for the citizens, she said.
She advised exhibitors at the Expo to make best use of this rare opportunity to showcase their goods and services to unlock future partnerships.
Chief Executive Officer of Khorixas Nicodemus #Gaeseb, mayors and councillors from Karibib, Outapi, Ruacana, Outjo and Kamanjab attended the official opening ceremony as well as King Justus //Garoeb of the Damara tribe and #Aodaman chief Petrus Ukongo.