Dalene Kooper
KEETMANSHOOP – Gibeon residents in Hardap region are grappling with increasing numbers of high unemployment and lack of economic opportunities, forcing them to solely rely on social grants.
Youth representative of the Gibeon constituency, Elton Fredericks revealed that the village is in dire need of economic activities, stating that the unemployed youth of Gibeon are without inspiration and motivation to create anything for themselves.
“Unemployment is so high; the only things keeping us alive are the social grants. We do not have facilities or opportunities to keep busy; hence, we use a gravel field to play soccer,” Fredericks said.
He emphasised the need for their local authority councillors to investigate initiatives for the local youth and invest in activities for the youth.
“It is not just about being active; we want and have to be productive,” Fredericks said.
Chairperson of the Gibeon Village Council, Ellerien Isaacks, said the high reliance of youth on social grants is a systematic challenge.
“It is worrisome to see how the youth roam the streets because of the national pandemic called unemployment,” Isaacks said.
The Council, she said, plans to transition locals from grant dependency to economic emancipation.
As an immediate intervention, the Council procured brickmaking machinery as an employment strategy for the youth.
“The Council will use their own produced bricks to pave roads while selling them at an affordable price to revive our economic stance. The Council can use the funds from this project to find scholarships and give grants to local entrepreneurs,” the councillor said.
The Council will also engage ministries, especially youth and sports, through its funded programmes to transform local youth into entrepreneurs.
To address youth inactivity in Gibeon, Isaacks said the Council maintains local sports grounds for youth to host their tournaments and athletics.
She added that they prioritise youth development with plans to review the strategic development plan.
“We have established a memorandum of understanding with the Swakopmund municipality, a good initiative of skills exchange programmes that facilitate skill transfer that will eventually trickle down to the youth-led initiatives,” Isaacks stated.
Looking ahead, the Council noted the current upgrading of the water, electricity, and sewage systems. The also council plans to revamp a local fountain with a gardening project to be announced soon.
“By developing Gibeon, we lower the barrier for entry for new entrepreneurs. We remain committed to addressing unemployment through a structured multi-stakeholder approach,” Isaacks said.