Africa-Press – Namibia. FORMER Walvis Bay mayor King Mandume Muatunga says Walvis Bay should be marketed aggressively to attract much-needed investment.
He said this while recently reflecting on the 29 years since Walvis Bay was reintegrated into Namibia.
“Walvis Bay can heavily diversify its economic sectors and broaden the scope of tourism, industrial areas, institutions of higher learning, technological hubs, etc.
“In addition, there’s a need for an economic and development team to spearhead this area of economic diversity with stakeholders,” he said.
Vice president Nangolo Mbumba and his South African counterpart, ambassador Carl von Hirschberg, were appointed by their respective countries to steer the Joint Administrative Authority to facilitate the re-integration of Walvis Bay and 12 off-shore islands into Namibia – an event that took place on 1 March 1994.
Walvis Bay is the only town in Namibia that was administered by colonial South Africa to be surrendered through diplomatic negotiations.
Muatunga said excellent strides in the advancement of economic and infrastructural developments were made during this period, with regards to the fishing industry, port expansion as well as housing.
“I am making a clarion call to the current leadership to continue where others left off, and take this port city to a different level as we navigate through our common challenges of providing shelters to our people, minimising sewage blockages, ensuring adequate schools (classrooms) and creating an enabling environment for the youth,” he said.
Derek Klazen, who was also a mayor of the town and is currently the minister of fisheries and marine resources, said the town has vast tourism potential, with well-developed infrastructure, a deepened port and a reliable and trainable workforce.
He says the efforts by previous and current leaders are directed at both domestic and foreign investors and aim to present the town as a great hub for investment funding.
“The strategic location of Walvis Bay and its proximity to South America and Europe make it ideal for the trading of goods and the provision of services to those destinations,” he said.
Klazen expressed gratitude to the town’s leadership and residents for attracting investors.
“It is important for everyone at Walvis Bay to understand that we live in a very competitive environment, and that money is like a good guest – it visits and remains where it is treated well.
“So, an improvement in land delivery, the provision of training, the building of trust and confidence, good governance, and the provisions of safety and security are some of the aspects we need to pay attention to,” he said.
Wilfried Immanuel, who served in the town’s first council, cautioned against demonstrations and unhealthy relationships between employers and workers, which he says damages the town’s image.
“Investors don’t want that. They do not want to put their money in a town or country with many strikes either. These things have an impact on the economy,” he said.
Immanuel said the municipality should make industrial land available at reduced prices.
Walvis Bay rural constituency councillor Tegako Donatus said the reintegration should serve as a reminder that only through unity can the town flourish.
“Through unity of purpose, we shall produce results. The integration of Walvis Bay into Namibia signified the hard work and commitment of Namibians towards the total independence of all corners of Namibia,” he said.
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