OKOMBAHE– The Erongo Regional Council through its Constituency Development Fund has offered very welcome assistance to several small businesses in Daures constituency.
Equipment worth N$160 000 was given to seven SMEs from Uis, Okombahe and Otjihorongo to enable them to expand their business operations, create jobs and become self-sustaining. The beneficiaries are mainly upcoming businesswomen and young people.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church at Uis also received assistance to expand the church to accommodate a growing number of worshippers.
Businesses which received equipment include a barbershop and hair salon at Omatjete, small-scale miners at Tubusis, a printing studio in Okombahe, a textile shop at Uis, a brick-making plant at Omatjete and a small poultry farm at Otjohorongo.
The equipment was handed over to the recipients at the Okombahe settlement, situated about 90 kilometres from Usakos in the Erongo Region, last week Thursday.
According to the Daures constituency councillor, Ernst Katjiku, the assistance was offered to worthy recipients with the aim of alleviating poverty and creating jobs, as well as for the recipients to contribute to the development of their settlements. “We are handing over the items in order for you to find ways to alleviate poverty and create employment opportunities. This might not be enough, but it is a stepping stone in the right direction,” Katjiku explained.
The recipients expressed their gratitude for the assistance saying it is a clear indication that government continues to create opportunities for those in the rural areas to be empowered.
The Governor of the Erongo Region, Cleophas Mutjavikua, who handed over the equipment also urged recipients to make good use of the assistance as well as to assist the needy.
Eveline de Klerk