The Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Lazarus Kanelombe has called on mining companies and private sector players to channel more resources into community development, warning that the region's mineral wealth must translate into tangible improvements in people's livelihoods.
Kanelombe, made the call during an engagement with mining companies and service providers, where he outlined plans to establish the Erongo Development Programme as a vehicle for pooling resources and accelerating development across the region's seven constituencies.
Erongo's mining industry is being challenged to move beyond its contribution to economic growth and play a more direct role in addressing the region's pressing social and developmental needs.
Kanelombe stated that the Regional Council cannot continue relying predominantly on government funding to meet growing community needs, stressing that meaningful development will require stronger partnerships with the private sector.
The proposed programme is expected to mobilise resources towards building and rehabilitating schools, upgrading healthcare facilities, expanding access to clean water, supporting small and medium enterprises and improving housing opportunities, particularly in under-served communities.
The initiative also seeks to address infrastructure challenges, including rural feeder roads, sanitation and the growing demand for services, land and affordable housing.
“Our meeting paves the way for a restart in reshaping our developmental trajectory, as we strive hard to meet the demands of the NDP6 and, obviously, our own strategic framework. On this note, we remain indebted to you, our key stakeholder, to make this a reality. This Council will endeavour to advance transparent consultation and regular communication with you to ensure that we are all in alignment, we can account and you can introspect our programmes.”
Also speaking at the meeting was Walvis Bay Urban Constituencies Council Albertina Nkoshi.
“It is therefore important that the benefits derived from the resources within our region extend beyond mining operations and reach the communities whose livelihoods and futures are closely connected to this industry. Today's engagement presents an opportunity for us to understand one another's priorities, identify areas of common interest and explore how the mining sector and regional leadership can work together more effectively.”
Meanwhile, Walvis Bay Rural Constituency Councillor Ruben Shikongo expected from the engagement to produce more than commitments.