Maria David
THE Eenhana Town Council has resolved not to host the annual trade fair and business expo for the second consecutive year.
The council decided that it would not be a good idea to host an event where the risk of the further spread of COVID-19 too high.
The Mayor of Eenhana, Omri-Onn Kavandje said the Eenhana Expo has been noted as one of the key platforms to bring business personalities and government institutions together to showcase their products and services.
Kavandje made the remarks whilst tabling the council’s provisional budget for the 2021/22 financial year on Monday.
According to Kavandje, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic put the council in a difficult position.
“This decision does not only disadvantage the business people and the public, but it also negatively affects our revenue streams and opportunities to engage our developmental stakeholders on how we could improve the town’s economy,” he said.
Kavandje noted that the council is indeed finding itself in a very unfortunate position to announce that they are not able to host this prestigious event until the COVID-19 pandemic has normalized and the people are assured of their safety.
“It is for this reason that we need to be prudent enough to sustain our operations during these difficult times, and to work hand in hand with our investors, especially local or domestic investors,” he cited.
Kavandje added that as it is indicated in the current national budget, their domestic investors remain confident in the economy as demonstrated by re-investments into existing business enterprises and ongoing expansions into various economic sectors.
He stated that there is a need to recognize the need for a stronger private sector engagement in order for them to foster stronger bonds in creating not only an enabling environment but to seek ways to work together for the betterment of the lives of the people.
