Keetmanshoop: The ||Kharas Region is positioning itself as a key driver of Namibia's agricultural growth and tourism development, with major investments in irrigation, infrastructure, and cross-border initiatives expected to unlock new economic opportunities.According to Namibia Press Agency, ||Kharas Region Governor Dawid Gertze, while delivering the 2026 State of the Region Address in Keetmanshoop on Monday, said the second phase of the Neckartal Irrigation Scheme would transform the region into a premier agricultural hub while strengthening national food security and creating jobs. Gertze stated that the execution of the Neckartal Irrigation Phase 2 Project will be jointly led by the Lands Department and the ||Kharas Regional Council Surveying Unit, marking a decisive step toward transforming Neckartal into Namibia's premier agricultural growth corridor.The government has already acquired more than 19,000 hectares of land downstream of the Neckartal Dam, with surveying, demarcation, and advertising of the area scheduled for the 2026/27 financial year. The land will be zoned for both commercial farming and community-based agricultural projects. The governor also highlighted efforts to improve water security through the installation of six new boreholes in the Berseba and Karasburg East constituencies and the rehabilitation of communal water points to support farming communities.On tourism, Gertze mentioned upgrades at border posts and the planned reopening of the Alexander Bay crossing with South Africa would strengthen regional connectivity. He noted that in logistics and tourism, border post upgrades and the reopening of the Alexander Bay crossing are advancing, supported by joint marketing networks and information hubs. Additionally, the proposed expansion of the Port of Lderitz is expected to further enhance the region's tourism and economic prospects while supporting offshore oil and gas activities. Namport is committed to ensuring that the Port Expansion Project delivers tangible socio-economic bene fits to local communities.Proposals under consideration include the construction of a museum to preserve Lderitz's heritage and reserving projects and subcontracting opportunities for local participation. Calling for balanced development, Gertze emphasized the need to balance heritage preservation with national economic development objectives while adopting a scientific and evidence-based approach to decision-making. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate to maximize the benefits of the projects, saying local communities must share meaningfully in the resulting jobs, business opportunities, and infrastructure while ensuring that the region's natural and cultural heritage is protected.