By Surihe Gaomas
WINDHOEK
The inhabitants of Omaruru have been urged to become productive instead of folding their arms and waiting for development projects.
The plea was made by the Chairperson of the Omaruru Community Initiative Association for Development, Welfare and Business Promotion (OMACIA), Rudolph Hongoze.
Hongoze said the time has come for people to take initiatives themselves.
“People tend to complain all the time, but we should not throw stones before we tell others what we can do for ourselves. We need to do away with this negative attitude,” said Hongoze.
Hongoze and six other concerned members of the community established OMACIA on May 25, 2007.
The association came about after the local people decided to do things for themselves and lift their town out of poverty .
“It’s not about what leaders can do for us, but what we can do for Omaruru,” said Hongoze, adding that seve-ral projects have been identified.
Under the motto “Together We Build” OMACIA aims to empower the community to develop themselves.
The initiative is non-political, non-racial and non-profit-making and aims at promoting commercial ventures for the benefit of the community of Omaruru.
One such venture was realized when a group of residents started selling plastic bags for 25 cents to the public as part of income generation. The money generated was used for charitable organisations in Omaruru.
Another project that the community have their eyes on this year is to raise funds for purchasing second-hand chairs and tables for Ubasen Primary School.
Local farmers have also been asked to help fight veldt fires in the region. “Fires end up everywhere and most farms are destroyed by these rampant fires,” said Hongoze.
Hongoze said people have talents and skills to generate money for themselves. He called on them to engage in small and medium enterprises (SME’s).
“People run hair salons, they do crafts work, some are mechanics or carpenters in their backyards. I believe we do have the abilities, we just need to show them in a more structured way,” he explained.
OMACIA has registered close to 40 SMEs.