KEETMANSHOOP – With the anticipated production of green hydrogen, coupled with the expected output from oil and gas deposits in the area in and around the !Nami#Nus constituency in the //Kharas region, a great need is projected for the provision of basic services. 

This is as a significant influx of professional staff and job seekers are expected in the southwestern town of Lűderitz as well as the nearby village of Aus. 

This is the view of the //Kharas acting chief regional officer (CRO) Ralph Sachika when interviewed by New Era, in light of the recent advertisement for the construction of water, sewer, roads, electrical and bulk water reticulation services in a local newspaper. 

“Since it was explained by Hyphen (Energy) that the green hydrogen project can guarantee 150 000 jobs, the regional council anticipates that housing will be needed for between 5 000 to 7 000 workers with their families, of which the majority will relocate to these two places, “ he said.

Sachika, who is also the director for planning at the regional council, continued that N$50 million has been allocated for the 2024/2025 financial year by the National Planning Commission, through the urban and rural development ministry, for capital projects for phase 1 of the construction of the services. “Since we can only provide housing once land has been serviced, the council hopes to be allocated the same or a higher amount for the next financial year, as these projects will be completed in phases he said. The CRO said preference will be given to locals for low-and-semi-skilled jobs during the construction of the said services.

The regional council has received more than 1000 applications from entrepreneurs who want to set up businesses in areas such as warehouse and logistics, retail and entertainment, to mention a few. 

These services, he continued, can provide another economic injection for the town and village, respectively. “In addition, council budgeted N$1.5 million per village or settlement in the rural areas for purposes of uplifting the socio-economic circumstances of those living unemployed and in poverty, “ he stated. 

Sachika added: “ These projects include, but are not limited to rural sanitation, food for work, poultry farming, and gardening.”