The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, has revealed that through the environmental levy on lightweight plastics, the government has generated revenue of close to N$250 million over the past five years.

This was after Affirmative Repositioning (AR) MP Esther Haikola-Sakaria questioned why no reports have been released since the implementation of the levy in 2019.

The minister stated that the figures demonstrate a relatively stable and consistent revenue stream with some fluctuations influenced by consumption patterns, economic conditions and policy enforcement.

She pointed out that the revenue on the levies is intended to support environmental protection, waste management, and broader green investment initiatives.

"These allocations support the range of interventions, including development and improvement of waste management, as I have indicated, the infrastructure, recycling and waste minimisation programmes, environmental remediation and rehabilitation activities, and awareness and behaviour change initiatives related to waste reduction. And in addition, a significant portion of this levy is also allocated to the green impact facilities.'

The minister added that over the past four years, a total of N$135 million has been invested in a range of private sector initiatives, including recycling, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other green economic activities.

"The Ministry, in collaboration with the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, remains committed to operating within its broader mandate of supporting environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development, ensuring that waste management funding contributes meaningfully."