The leadership of the Omaheke Region has welcomed new recycling initiatives, hailing them as a vital opportunity to generate local livelihoods and drive economic inclusion.

The regional governor, Pijoo Nganate, pointed out that this initiative is relevant because it combines environmental responsibility with economic participation. 

Nganate added that from a regional perspective, they have to continue supporting projects that give people practical skills and access to opportunities. 

"The government cannot address economic inclusion on its own; we need partnerships that can complement public programmes and create additional avenues in which people can participate in this economy."

Local Authority Councillor Dorothy Indongo expressed encouragement that these programmes prioritise opportunities for youth and women. She emphasised that leadership remains committed to fostering inclusive spaces where all community members can participate and develop essential skills.

"The success of recycling does not depend on one organisation or one person; it requires all residents, businesses, local authorities, community organisations and individuals to play our part. As the municipality of Gobabis, we welcome initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment, stronger communities and greater economic opportunities."

The Director of Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Beverages Namibia, Ockert Jansen, said that the aim of these initiatives is more on encouraging package collection and justifying the importance of recycling waste in order to improve the local economy. 

"By doing this, we are also promoting economic inclusion in the Omaheke Region, with a specific focus on women, youth, and people with disabilities to ensure their participation in the circular economy, combat unemployment, and enable them to generate income for themselves."

One of the participants at the one-day training session, Engelbert Madi, stated that these are not opportunities that should be missed by unemployed people, as this will aid with poverty reduction amongst many local people.

"If you go to the environmental aspect, the environment will be clean, our town will be clean, and you know where cleanliness is. Everybody is happy, and we can invite more tourists into our country, and people will say there are people with morals here."