The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Tjekero Tweya, is of the view that if the existing laws passed in parliament are deemed inadequate, it is necessary to enhance and strengthen them.

Tweya also emphasised the importance of engaging in a comprehensive, honest, and constructive dialogue about the management of natural resources in Namibia.

Tweya made these remarks during the opening of a six-day workshop focusing on the mining and energy sectors.

The workshop, organised in collaboration with the Committee on Economic and Public Administration, aims to bring together various stakeholders to foster discussions and devise strategies for maximising the potential of these sectors.

Tweya highlighted that there is an ongoing and significant debate in Namibia around the ownership of the country's highly valued mineral resources.

And the workshop, he says, provides an opportunity to openly address this topic and engage in meaningful discussions.

The SWAPO Party MP pointed out that the existing mining laws exclude small-scale miners from actively participating in the sector.

Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo is of the opinion that the discovery of natural resources, such as oil, in Namibia has the potential to be a blessing for the country.