The management of the Sikondo Green Scheme Project in the Kavango West Region is concerned over ongoing incidents of theft involving members of the community.

Manager Maxwell Nghidinwa says the project's mandate to produce enough to contribute to food security may not be achieved.

Eight people from Mupini Village were caught red-handed while stealing potatoes in the latest incident.

Nghidinwa says Sikondo aspires to contribute to the country's GDP by planting high-value crops like potatoes, which are in demand.

However, he says, continuous theft of the produce hampers efforts to increase production.

The project planted 9.5 hectares of potatoes, which are expected to be ready for marketing in a few weeks.

He says 500 tonnes of potatoes are expected to be produced over nine hectares.

Nghidinwa says losses to theft are also experienced in their maize production and other horticulture crops.

The project has initiated a programme that employs youth from the communities of Sikondo and Mupini and pays out part of their earnings to Namcol towards that organization's upgrading of grade 11 symbols.

Deputy Headman of Mupini Village Danny Kapanga says the Mbunza Traditional Authority does not condone theft and will deal with individuals suspected of being involved in these criminal activities.

The Sikondo Irrigation Scheme is situated about 10 kilometers west of Rundu.