RUNDU - Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday visited the Vhungu Vhungu and Ndonga Linena Green Schemes as part of her visit to the Kavango East region to address food insecurity.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also paid a courtesy call on the Shambyu Royal House, before she proceeded to the Mashare Irrigation project.

During her visit to the Vhungu Vhungu Green Scheme, the VP said she was tasked by President Nangolo Mbumba to visit the region, assess the green schemes, and inspect preparations for winter crops.

“The government wants to see how it can assist to ensure more production during the winter season. So, I want to hear from the manager and the regional leadership how the government can assist as a matter of urgency for the green schemes to be more productive,” she added.

Rundu Rural constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu, under whose constituency Vhungu Vhungu falls, said for the scheme to operate at its maximum capacity, it requires about N$46 million. 

He said the green scheme faces high electricity charges, insufficient implements and tractors, as well as a lack of storage facilities, amongst other challenges.

Mbangu indicated that the administration of the green scheme is still centralised, making it difficult for problems to be handled timeously.

Yesterday, the vice president was visiting the Shitemo and Shadikongoro Green Schemes, whereafter she was to pay a courtesy call on the Hambukushu Royal House. Today, Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to visit the blueberry project in Divundu before proceeding to the Zambezi region for the 34th Independence celebrations. -Nampa