The Otjiwarongo municipality has assured the residents that the planned explosives factory northwest of the town will pose no danger to residents as it is located in an area where there are no plans for current or future developments.

The statement by town mayor Kandiwapa Shivute follows a daily newspaper report this week in which concerns were raised and objections made against the factory. Shivute says the Beifang factory will not be manufacturing explosive products but will use the site to store explosives for mining activities in the town.

"The council hereby informs its residents that the proposed explosive factory is located on a portion of Municipal Camp 3, which does not pose any danger to residents as it is situated far from current or future developments. Moreover, the factory is adjacent to the existing shooting range of the Namibian Defence Force, and a 1 kilometre buffer zone has been established around the proposed explosive silo sites as an additional safety measure."

Shivute explained that the lease of the land had been approved after all legal procedures were followed, adding only three objections were received, which will be submitted to the Urban and Rural Minister for a ruling and decision.

"It is worth noting that Beifang Mining Technology Services has since complied with the requirements from the Office of the Enviromental Commissioner under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, hence the Enviromental Clearance Certificate was issued by the same ministry on 08 February 2022, which is valid for three years from the date of issue. Additionally, Beifang also obtained permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, granted on 08 August 2022 in terms of the Explosive Regulation. This permission however lapses if the magazine has not been completed within six months from the date of grant."