A groundbreaking ceremony for a 10,500-cubic-meter liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facility was conducted by Erongo Liquid Petroleum Gas Terminal at Walvis Bay.
The project will be established at Farm 39.
LPG is an environmentally friendly fuel compared to paraffin and wood.
The 100% Namibian-owned company's terminal will supply the Namibian market and neighbouring countries.
Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes says that the construction of this state-of-the-art terminal will be instrumental in meeting Namibia's growing demand for LPG and serving the needs of neighbouring countries and regions.
Forbes said that this terminal, with its substantial storage capacity, will ensure that the nation can accommodate current and future demands, paving the way for efficient supply chains and reliable access to energy resources.
He said that the economic implications are profound, and the construction phase will create numerous jobs, stimulating local economies, and providing training opportunities for skilled labour.
"Facilitating trade and enhancing our position in regional supply chains. This will attract further investment, support local businesses, and boost tourism. In addition to the economic benefits, we must recognise the environmental implications of expanding our LPG infrastructure. LPG is a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional fossil fuels, decreasing our carbon footprint, improving air quality, and helping us take meaningful steps towards sustainable energy solutions."
Erongo governor, Neville Andre, said the project is a testament to the collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and community leaders, who together share a commitment to the future of Namibia.
"This landmark project marks a major advancement in the supply of LPG across the country, enabling bulk distribution of LPG on a scale never before achieved in Africa. This LPG Storage Facility is critical infrastructure that will support Namibia's long-term energy security and developmental ambitions. Such investments in LPG infrastructure can greatly enhance the affordability and accessibility of clean cooking solutions, delivering substantial health, developmental, and environmental benefits to the region and the country in particular."
Also speaking at the event were the CEO of NAMCOR, Ebson Uanguta, Chairman of ELPG Trevor Brockerhoff, and Ahmet Salih, a Technical Partner of the ASKAY Group Turkey.