Landless People's Movement Leader Bernadus Swartbooi raised concerns regarding the approved extension of the Lüderitz harbour as part of developing a green hydrogen facility.

He says it will negatively impact the heritage site of Shark Island, which plays a significant role in Namibia's history and serves as an educational site for future generations.

Responding to Swartbooi, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti stated that the challenge for Namibia regarding the potential expansion of the port is not whether development should occur but how development can occur while preserving the site's historical, cultural and memorial significance.

Ballotti added that the most sustainable approach would be a heritage-sensitive port expansion strategy, which he says would allow Namibia to pursue economic growth while safeguarding one of the country's most historically significant sites for future generations.

He said the ministry and the National Heritage Council remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of Sharkk Island and ensuring its heritage is preserved for present and future generations.