The Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, has called for the prioritising of local communities to ensure they benefit from the green hydrogen and oil and gas developments near Lüderitz. 

!Nawases-Taeyele made the call while officiating the Lüderitz Stakeholders Conference held at the southern harbour town.

The two-day conference aims to foster collaboration among key stakeholders and set a clear path for the future development of Lüderitz and Aus settlement in the wake of the new green hydrogen and oil and gas industries. 

The government made budgetary provision of N$91 million and N$50 million towards infrastructure for Lüderitz and Aus settlements, respectively. 

"However, I am asking residents to passively wait or feel entitled to these opportunities. Instead, they must invest in their education, gain new skills, volunteer, participate, and engage fully in the planning and development processes. By doping so, they will position themselves to truly benefit from these projects."

The deputy minister urged captains of the green hydrogen and oil and gas industries to strictly adhere to environmental regulations. 

||Kharas Governor, Aletha Frederick called for tailor-made skills development programmes to ensure locals are empowered for employment opportunities arising from the new industries. 

"Let us embrace this opportunity with open minds and collaborative spirits. Together, we shape a future where Lüderitz and Aus not only grow but flourish—becoming a city and a town, respectively—that reflects our values, aspirations, and commitment to sustainable development."

The conference is being attended by the community, representatives from government agencies, NGO's, corporate entities, and members of the Dutch Local Authority Association, under the theme "A new dawn awaits Lüderitz, the catalyst for industrial and socio-economic growth'. 

The conference will include panel discussions, among others, on town land expansion and infrastructure development as well as financing thereof.