WALVIS BAY - Fisheries minister Derek Klazen says there are no new jobs in the fishing industry, unless new factories are built or new vessels are bought by industry players. 

Klazen was speaking at the official opening of the Merlus Group’s new factory, known as Merlus Cormorant Fishing, at Walvis Bay on Friday.

Merlus exports about 13 000 metric tonnes of high-value-added wet-fish, mainly hake, to European markets. The company constructed a new wet-fish processing factory to the tune of N$70 million, and spent a further N$34 million to acquire a wet-fish trawler vessel. They also forked out N$50 million for the construction of a Styrofoam factory to supply the new factory with specialised packaging materials needed for fish destined for international markets.

This brings the total investment the group has made to N$154 million. So far, 220 jobs have been created, but the company’s management said the factory has the additional capacity to double its employment figures. “This is indeed a giant leap of faith in the fishing industry, especially during the post-Covid era, when business confidence has been subjected to severe negative pressure and the fact that this sector is already saturated,” Klazen noted.

The fisheries minister said there will be no more jobs in the sector unless bold steps are taken, just like the Merlus Group has done. 

“These are the types of value-addition projects the government wants to see, as they directly address unemployment.

There are no more jobs for anybody else, unless we have new factories and fishing vessels to employ more people. We all are aware of the workers who have been laid off. Up to today…we are still struggling with them,” he added.

Klazen felt that initiatives such as the Merlus investment also re-emphasised the government’s desire and objectives to continue partnering with leading companies to address skills development and employment-creation. 

The new factory additions will supplement two already-existing Merlus factories, and will bring the Group’s total output of high-end consumer products to 13 000 metric tonnes to be exported to European markets.

Also speaking at the factory’s opening was Merlus Fishing director Julio Lloves, who said investing and empowering not only their employees but also Namibia has been one of the driving forces of the company.

Lloves added that the company has been at the forefront of value-addition and employment-creation, which is a journey that started in his garage when he was buying and selling fish during the early years.

He said with the new factory, they will be able to process more fish on shore, which will not only create more jobs, but also add value to the fish they land.

“Our current workforce is about 1400, mainly young women, because we believe in empowering women. We are also playing an instrumental role in assisting school and youth development programmes in the country. 

“Our philosophy is not only about making money, but to give back to the community,” he continued.

At the same event, Erongo governor Neville Andre welcomed the new factory, saying the project will bring about positive impacts in terms of employment-creation and economic development. 

“Progressive game-changing developments of this nature, no matter the measure, should be recognised, adopted and celebrated, as we are doing today,” he observed.