Workers of the Orange River Irrigation Project (ORIP) at Aussenkehr in the ||Kharas Region say they have been left uncertain about their jobs following the government's recent decision to dissolve Agricultural Business Development Agency. 

ORIP is one of the country's eleven green scheme projects managed by state-owned Agribusdev. 

The ORIP workers voiced their concerns about possibly losing their job security during an oversight visit by a Parliamentary Standing Committee. 

An unproductive green scheme was given as the reason for Agribusdev's dissolution. 

Pending the dissolution of Agribusdev, the Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Ministry has taken over the green schemes' management function. 

Recently, the government put out a tender inviting investors to apply to lease the green schemes. 

ORIP Finance and Administration Officer, Linekela Nantuua said the greatest challenge they are facing is the lack of direction when it comes to Agribusdev, they are not certain what the future holds for them and they are also having questions about their job security among others.  

ORIP worker Christof Hepute said they don't know what is going on, they don't know about the salaries.

Other challenges raised by the workers include bureaucratic red tape in procurement and a lack of protective clothing and of appropriate agricultural implements. 

They also bemoan the inconvenience of transporting about 200 workers to and from work, in two bakkies. 

Upon hearing about the non-functioning cold rooms, committee member, MP Efraim Nekongo, via a telephone call, directed Acting MD Nathanael Amoomo to attend to it. 

ORIP produces dates, watermelon, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, onions and cabbages.

The scheme currently employs 75 permanent and 40 seasonal workers.