Katima mulilo: The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) on Thursday officially announced the commencement of the installation of pivots and water reticulation systems at Katima Farm in the Zambezi Region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, NCS Officer-in-Charge at Katima Farm/Old Wenela Farm, Deputy Commissioner John Kambimbi, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with Nampa on Friday. He emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance inmate rehabilitation through agricultural skills training and contribute to national food security. The project is being executed by Cherry Irrigation, which has been appointed to handle the installation, provide pipelines, and rehabilitate old pumps.
Deputy Commissioner Kambimbi detailed that work has already begun and includes the establishment of seven pivots on 120 hectares of land for irrigation, sourcing water directly from the Zambezi River. The installation process is expected to be completed by the end of February, followed by the commencement of agricultural activities, starting with the planting of wheat as a winter crop. Subsequent seasons will see the planting of other essential crops such as maize and various vegetables.
Kambimbi mentioned that his office will employ well-known minimum-risk offenders depending on the project’s needs in the coming months. These offenders will be sourced from various parts of the country until a permanent rehabilitation center is established on the farm. He stated that the project aims to reduce dependency on imports while providing skills training and rehabilitation opportunities to offenders.
The Deputy Commissioner also issued a warning against vandalism and theft, emphasizing that those found guilty of such acts would face consequences. He highlighted that the area is closely monitored and any attempts to steal government property will lead to apprehension.
Katima Farm spans a total area of 830 hectares and is planned to include NCS offices, correctional rehabilitation facilities, and farming units, among other developments.