The Namibian Ports Authority board chairperson, Nangula Hamunyela, stated that Namport has acknowledged the priority areas outlined in the Swapo Party Manifesto Implementation Plan and is dedicating all its resources to fulfilling its mandate in line with these goals.
During the visit by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and Works Minister Veikko Nekundi, Hamunyela emphasised that Namport recognizes its responsibility in contributing to Namibia's progress.
She reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting the country's developmental goals.
Hamunyela highlighted the oil and gas sector as a key economic enabler and stressed the importance of positioning Namibia's ports to support the success and development of this vital new industry.
She assured that the ports of Lüderitz and Walvis Bay will continue to invest in infrastructure and facilities to enhance their capabilities and provide effective support across various industries.
"It gives us great pride that as a former trustee of the Namport Social Investment Fund, where we shared a common vision for improving the living standards of all Namibians, your recent appointment as Prime Minister offers an opportunity for the country to benefit from this selflessness and vision."
Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi emphasised the need for Namibia to take the lead in managing its natural resources, noting that millions of dollars leave the country each year.
Nekundi also addressed the issue of employment, advocating for local communities to be prioritized for job opportunities, especially in the mining sector.
"It will not be business as usual with contracts. The president, in this phase of issuing hundreds of millions in contracts, cannot continue as before. It must come to an end. Local participation is crucial; if a contract has 10 subs, at least one third of the contracts must involve local employment."
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare asserted that there is no room for failure in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah by the Namibian people.
"We are few, but we are always poor. This means that resources must benefit every Namibian. We could have chosen any other company for this courtesy call, but it is because you play a strategic role in Erongo as well as to the country."