NovaNam last week acquired two new deep-sea trawlers at a cost of N.dollars 320 million to feed its value-addition factory in Lüderitz.
In a media statement seen by Nampa on Monday, NovaNam said the investment is part of its strategic investment plan, where the company committed to a fleet investment programme of N.dollars 480 million for three new build vessels between 2019 and 2021.
“Lüderitz relies heavily on the fishing industry and with the new vessels, we are contributing to Namibia’s blue economy in building and sustaining a vibrant coastal community in Lüderitz. These vessels will contribute to enhancing the sustainable use of Namibian fishing resources, while simultaneously improving the social, economic, and environmental benefits for the Lüderitz community,” said the statement.
It further noted that Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Derek Klazen, while inaugurating the vessels, said fishing companies and individuals should fish efficiently as the ocean is sensitive to irresponsible exploitation of natural resources.
“We have to conserve, optimally exploit and safeguard these resources which we borrow from our children and their children’s children. An added and important attractiveness of these highly advanced technological vessels is that it will make the fishing industry a viable proposition for the younger generation to make a career within it,” he said.
Klazen said the new vessels are an answer to the call by the fisheries ministry regarding the need for the modernisation of fishing hardware, towards efficient and safe fishing conditions.
“I believe we will soon see a notable improvement in the social, economic and environmental benefits for this community, given its dependence on fisheries. These benefits are expected to be in the form of employment creation, improvement of livelihoods, food and nutritional security, whilst at the same time ensuring that local buying power and cash-flow is restored and supporting sound fisheries management practices ensuring a healthy and renewable marine ecosystem,” he stressed.
Lüderitz Mayor, Anna-Marie Hartzenberg said the COVID-19 pandemic reversed all socio-economic gains made before the pandemic and disadvantaged the town’s already crippled economy, citing that the new vessels will serve as catalyst and will propel Lüderitz to its economy recovery from the devastating effects of the pandemic.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
