Otjozondjupa Governor James Uerikua says the completion of the biomass project at Otjiwarongo would help address developmental hindrances such as drought.

Uerikua says amidst the current drought spells affecting the nation, biomass will assist in the bush encroachment that is affecting grazing lands or harvesting fields.

Uerikua said that farmers across the region have been battling with diminishing grazing lands. 

Therefore, plans to set up the Biomass Industrial Park are the best way to promote grass growth, biodiversity, and the water-holding capacity of the land.

The Otjozondjupa Region covers more than 10.5 million hectares of dense encroacher bush, followed by Oshikoto, Omaheke, and Kavango West.

"Now one of the threats to our current livestock situation is that we are faced with a serious unpreceded drought, a looming drought that everybody can see, and no one can deny that on top of that there is a serious problem of bush encroachment. So you are coming at an opportune time to provide a solution to the issues that we are dealing with, and of course, upon implementation of this programme, not only are we looking at employment and all those things and opportunities, but then again in the restoration of our grazing land, whereby now you have less bush and off cause more grass."

The governor added that the government will give its full support to ensure the project kicks off and can provide other employment opportunities for locals.

The Biomass Industrial Park, which is under construction and the installation of high-tech machinery, is located north of Otjiwarongo.

The 93-hectare biomass project, where tonnes of wood chips, charcoal, charcoal briquettes, biofuel, and bio-charcoal will be produced, is a partnership between the Otjiwarongo Municipality and the German Government.