2008-05-07Staff Report 2 "By Anna Shilongo WINDHOEK Preparations for the annual Tsumeb Copper Festival, whose aim is to boost the socio-economic competitiveness of the town, are currently under way. The committee tasked with its planning have already started holding consultations with officials of the Windhoek Trade Fair in Windhoek. Chairperson of the Copper Festival Committee, Lemmy Geingob, said they have started early with preparations for the event to avoid the shortfalls experienced last year. Last year, the committee encountered financial shortfalls as a result of some companies that made pledges but failed to hand over the money promised, resulting in a deficit. ""Which is why we are starting earlier this year, to avoid last year's inconvenience. On the other hand, it was also our fault because we market the festival a bit late, as well as the soliciting of funds,"" he said. It was however on advice that the committee had decided to prepare and make all the necessary arrangements earlier to be on the safe side. ""We want to turn this year's copper festival into a festival to remember,"" he stressed. If all goes according to plan, he said, by the end of July the committee would be able to say where it stands in all arrangements as it intends to complete all preparations by then. The committee is thus encouraging local exhibitors not only to focus on selling more alcohol and food but to concentrate on their own innovations. During the last festival, the committee realized that students abused alcohol and the majority of the food stalls had sold alcohol. He encouraged young people to fully participate in the festival as well as take opportunities to tap some skills and knowledge from other traders. " 2008-05-07Staff Report 2
