Ombara Manase Christian Zeraeua of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority has expressed the need for coordinating the mining of natural resources in Erongo.

Manase spoke during the handover of donations to four needy schools at Omatjete in Daures Constituency.

Ombara Zeraeua says residents in mineral-rich areas must refrain from personally calling on investors but should consult the government first.

The constituency is rich in agriculture and small-scale mining of lithium to precious stones.

"Those that are calling people that the resources are ready. No. Wait till you are told officially by the government or an office representing the government that now the Mopani worms are ready; please come and harvest them. We shall inform you officially. Don't just simply come from nowhere and stay there overnight."

He says if properly sustained, natural resources can benefit generations to come.

The traditional authority donated N$10,000 to each of the four needy schools in the Otjiperengo and Omatjete area.

"Now this gesture is not just coming out of the blue, the responsibility of sustaining use of our resources and the management of the environment is not something new. It's coming with way too many inadequacies. Our ancestors had that responsibility, to make sure that we don't deplete our resources, which must be used sustainably for generations to come."

The Principal of Omatjette Primary School, Else Kavari, said, "This donation could not have come at a better time, as it will enable our learners at our community hostels to have a balanced diet and have the same type of meal four times a day, or at least this donation is going to have an impact in the lives of our children. Thank you so much."

Learner Eleanor Kaura said, "Let's not take for granted the loyalty of those that have walked this many weary miles with us. Let's not take for granted this donation that smooths our way to the better. Let's share gratitude every day."