Walvis Bay
Vice-President Dr Nickey Iyambo has applauded the private sector for responding to government’s call for diversification and transformation of the manufacturing sector through local beneficiation.
He spoke on Monday when he appeared as guest of honour at the inauguration of the N$65 million Walvis Bay Salt Holdings field expansion project, situated outside Walvis Bay.
Walvis Bay Salt Holdings is a subsidiary of the CAH group of companies which consist of three operating companies – Ekango Salt Refiners, Salt and Chemical and Walvis Bay Salt Refiners.
The company before the expansion worked an area of 4 500 hectares and had a maximum production of 750 000 tons of salt annually for both local and international markets.
However, with the expansion the salt pans now cover 5 500 hectares, pushing up the company’s production to 1 million tons of salt per annum.
Iyambo said the figures speak volumes and clearly indicate that Namibia is indeed making tangible progress in the direction of diversification and value addition to locally produced goods.
He added that the project is indeed a clear example of what government is advocating and wants in terms of both the private sector and government embracing one another and moving in the same direction.
“It’s pleasing to know that as part of the private sector you are heeding government’s call for market diversification and transformation of the manufacturing sector through local beneficiation. I am also told that this expansion will enable you to access North America due to increased productivity, while complementing government policies such as the Growth at Home Strategy and Harambee Prosperity Plan. This is indeed a clear indication that we are pulling in the same direction,” he said.
Also speaking at the occasion was the managing director of the company, Andre Snyman, who congratulated the government for its support with regard to infrastructural development.
“We do believe that Namibia is blessed with a vibrant economy, mainly because of the contributions of sectors such as mining, agriculture, fishing and processing,” underscored Snyman.
“Our additional expansion of the salt pans demonstrates not only our shareholders’ confidence in Namibia, but also our current and future commitment to the country. We will leave no stone unturned in exploring greater mineral beneficiation locally with government’s support,” he further stated.
Walvis Bay Salt Holdings is currently said to be responsible for the export of nearly 50 percent of all bulk exports through the port of Walvis Bay.
In addition to supplying the SADC region with quality salt, the group also exports salt to Nigeria, Cameroon, other countries in West Africa and Europe.