Africa-Press – Namibia. MINISTER of fisheries and marine resources Derek Klazen on Friday inaugurated two new wet NovaNam fishing vessels at Lüderitz.
The deep-sea fishing trawlers are only the second and third at Lüderitz, respectively, since independence. The first one was the Lalandii I, which was launched in November 2019.
Klazen at the event said the vessels were acquired to feed the Lalandii’s value-addition factory at Lüderitz, where 1 500 processing staff members of NovaNam pack for Pescanova.
This investment is part of NovaNam’s strategic investment plan, through which NovaNam committed to a fleet-investment programme of N$480 million for three newly built vessels between 2019 and 2021. NovaNam invested a total of N$320 million in the two new wet fishing trawlers. The vessels are specifically fitted for Lüderitz’ wet hake operations.
“Lüderitz relies heavily on the fishing industry, and with this investment in new vessels, NovaNam is contributing to Namibia’s blue economy in building and sustaining a vibrant coastal community at Lüderitz,” Klazen said.
The investment is expected to enhance the sustainable use of Namibia’s fishing resources, while also improving the community’s socio-economic and environmental prospects.
NovaNam was praised for remaining true to the company’s four strategic pillars in terms of its corporate social responsibility philosophy, which prioritises people, the planet, products, and communities.
Major improvements in working and living conditions on board fishing vessels have been made, including access to on-board healthcare facilities. The company will utilise increased emission controls to reduce its carbon footprint, while improving the treatment of raw fish material on board and reducing damaged fish and wastage.
“I cannot emphasise this enough, but we have to fish efficiently, because our oceans are very sensitive to the irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. We have to conserve, optimally exploit and safeguard these resources we are borrowing from our children, and their children’s children,” the minister said.
Novanam Group executive chairman Angel Tordesillas said NovaNam has continuously invested capital on an annual basis to increase its value-adding capabilities, and to ensure sustainable employment for its 2 300 staff members.
“This investment is a further example of NovaNam’s commitment to its people’s development and their employment, to improving livelihoods, food security, and nutrition, while at the same time supporting sound fisheries management practices and a healthy marine ecosystem.
“The emphasis is on placing the community at the heart of the business,” he said. The company has chosen former Lüderitz mayor Emilia Amupewa and political icon Ida Jimmy as the ‘godmothers’ of NovaNam One and NovaNam Two.
Amupewa said the NovaNam Group has over the years saved numerous liquidated companies, which has resulted in the retention of jobs for the residents of Lüderitz.
“The community of Lüderitz is massively indebted to the visionary leadership of NovaNam, which is aimed at strengthening the local economy. Your continuous and purposeful investments in Lüderitz is transforming the socio-economic well-being of our community,” she said.
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