Hardap Governor Riaan McNab calls on the residents of Kalkrand Village to preserve and uphold a clean environment, citing it as the cornerstone for development and economic growth.

He made this declaration at the opening of the Kalkrand Village clean-up operation implemented under the cash-for-work programme. 

The three-day cleaning campaign is spearheaded by the office of the Hardap Governor and the Kalkrand Village council.

Governor MacNab said the Kalkrand village, which is situated along the B1 road, is a crucial route for tourists, investors, and visitors passing through the area. 

As a result, the village needs to be cleaned to attract investors.

"No investor wants to put their money in a dirty place, a neglected place. No tourist wants to stop, rest or spend money where there is litter, pollution and disorder. Cleanliness sends a powerful message. After this cleaning operation, Kalkrand will be seen as organised, disciplined and open for business."

The governor called on the business community to support the village clean-up campaign through sponsorship and actual participation, noting that their involvement is not charity but investment in a clean and sustainable business environment.

"This village is your marketplace. A clean Kalkrand attracts more customers, more travellers and more spending. We invite you to come abroad  through sponsorship, provision of cleaning materials and tools, waste bins, protective clothing or by mobilising your employees to participate in cleaning your surroundings, as your support is not charity is an investment in your business environment."

150 young people – 100 subsidised by the regional governor's office and 50 by the village council – are participating in the cleanup campaign.

For their participation, each volunteer will receive N$144 per day to clean various areas in the village, including painting the old Lutheran church as part of the efforts to preserve the community infrastructure and improve the village's appearance.