President Nangolo Mbumba has revealed that the government has made a budget allocation of N$8 million to revive the now-defunct Kalimbeza Rice Project in the Zambezi Region and approved plans to set up a sugar plantation on part of Kalimbeza, as well as a sugar processing plant in Katima Mulilo.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Government has availed N$8 million to revive the Kalimbeza National Rice project, and approved that a sugar plantation be established on part of Kalimbeza, as well as a sugar processing plant in Katima Mulilo,” said Mbumba told scores of attendees during the 34th Independence Celebration in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi region on Thursday.
“These are but a few of the projects going on to bring much-needed development and jobs to the Zambezi region, beside others in housing, school infrastructure, and provision of water, which are in the process. In 34 years, we have built ourselves a nation of which we can all be proud. A nation rooted in democracy, peace and stability and unity in diversity. This is the legacy that our heroes and heroines of the Republic of Namibia have bequeathed to us.”
This comes as activities at the farm were stalled after the Agricultural Business Development Agency (Agribusdev), which was entrusted to run government green schemes, was dissolved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.
Prior to that, the government had spent about N$50 million on equipment and other necessities on the farm, but that did not help it turn around its fortunes.
Mbumba, during his address, said Namibians can look forward to a bright future as massive oil and gas discoveries have been made, in addition to the green hydrogen investments which are about to materialize.
“As a result, we all, including the private sector, SME sector, and citizens need to hold hands with Government and with each other to galvanize the economic revival of Namibia for increased job opportunities and development,” he said.
“And of course our latest budget of N$100 billion will create more jobs, and give our citizens much-needed disposable income.”
President Mbumba said the Government has taken concrete steps to promote economic advancement through the construction of critical infrastructure in the Zambezi region just like in other regions.
“For example, the construction of the 60 kilometers long electrical line, starting at Ivilivinzi to Impalila Island, connecting the localities of Mbalasinte and Kasika, has ensured that significant economic growth will take place in these communities. The electrification of Impalila and surrounding areas will benefit businesses and boost the tourism industry, amongst other things,” highlighted Mbumba.
Furthermore, he said the Government has additionally extended the rural electrification grid to most Government infrastructures region-wide.
“Therefore, 90% of the Zambezi Government Infrastructures are connected to the main grid,” the President said.
Sharing further on regional development, Mbumba pointed to the upgrading to bitumen standard of the Roads MR 125 (Kongola, Sangwali, Linyanyi, Liselo and Kongola-Kamenga) and MR 3508 (Namalubi-Isize-Luhonono) as vital undertakings that will increase the movement of goods and services as well as new business opportunities in the Zambezi region.
