Staff Reporter
THE primary hurdle faced by the Namibian fishing sector, which generates approximately N$10 billion in export revenues, revolves around the inflated expenses associated with fuel.
This was emphasized by Neville Andre Itope, the Governor of the Erongo Region, during his recent State of the Region Address, where he disclosed that the country’s fish catches surpass local demands and are consequently sold in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region or exported to Europe or the Far East. This, he explained attracts substantial transport and fuel costs.
Nevertheless, Itope stressed that the fishing sector, which provides employment for about 12,000 people, is still brimming with immense potential. According to the governor, there is substantial room for growth in the hake population, which will likely result in increased employment opportunities in the future.
“But we need to appreciate that the stock rebuilding is a long-term process which needs to be managed. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has over the years adopted a conservative approach to the stock management which has led to the growth of the stock, to healthy levels compared to the depleted stock which existed at time of independence,” Itope added.
The governor further encouraged the public to seek out opportunities and take actions that could empower the region and the country as a whole.
“As the Erongo Region, we are delivering a clear difference for our residents now, not plans or platitudes, but recognisable, tangible action. I know that it has been an extraordinary tough year for all of us, but everywhere I go I see people taking action: citizens stepping up; entrepreneurs finding growth opportunities and everyone putting a little bit of effort to change their situation for better,” remarked Itope.
