The Tsumkwe AgriHuB Project, aimed at improving food security and diversifying agricultural production in the constituency, has been handed over to the chairmanship of the Governor of the Otjozondjupa region, John ||Khamuseb.
The handover marks a new phase for the community-owned initiative, which seeks to reduce reliance on food supplies from outside the constituency.
Launched in May 2023, the project was initially scheduled for completion in April 2025.
However, it stalled in August 2024 after the contractor left the site amid contractual disputes.
World Food Programme (WFP) Namibia Head of Programmes, Gloria Kamwi explained.
“The Regional Council allocated the land, and the technical scoping process began, including the necessary environmental assessments. In May, we officially marked the groundbreaking ceremony, which was conducted by Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Work then commenced on the project. However, work came to a halt around August 2024 when the contractor left the site due to matters relating to a breach of contract. Since then, no official work has been carried out on the ground.”
The project received investments from the government and the WFP to support agricultural development and operations.
The government mobilised about N$5 million.
The project's management committee will now be chaired by Otjozondjupa Governor John ||Kamuseb, with the Namibian Correctional Service serving as the lead implementing agency alongside other stakeholders.
Deputy Director Rural Services for Otjozondjupa Region Charton Richter explained.
“State House deemed it necessary to hand over the chairmanship to the governor, which brings us to today’s meeting. Going forward, the governor, Hon. John Julius Kamuseb, will serve as the chairperson of both the committee and the project. We are all familiar with the project’s location, but for the record, it falls within the boundaries of the settlement.”
Full scale agricultural production is expected to begin in September 2027.
In the meantime, the management committee plans to explore opportunities to plant selected crops during the rainy season.