Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope has applauded the three town councils of Omaruru, Karibib and Usakos for their collaborative efforts to steer the towns’ economies to greater heights.
The governor was speaking during the launch of the first-ever Amalgamated Rotational Annual Festival (ARAF) by the Omaruru, Karibib, and Usakos Local Authority Councils (OKULAC) in Swakopmund on Tuesday.
Itope, who is the patron of the event, emphasised the importance of the concept of trade fairs, adding that they not only enhance trade but also orientate consumers on the developments and potentials in the economy.
“It is from such exposures that we come to know more of who our producers are and what they produce, as well as what their needs are in order to grow and prosper and what other potentials there are in the various sectors to be explored,” he expressed.
He called for collaborations by local governance to create wealth and distribute it equitably and in so doing, meeting the government and private sectors halfway.
“Events of this nature are supportive to the national efforts towards diversification of the economy.”
The festival will take place in Omaruru from 27 to 30 September 2023 and is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into in 2022 and comprises a number of disciplines of cooperation, among others, the hosting of ARAF within the three towns on a yearly basis.
Omaruru Mayor Vincent Kahua said ARAF is set to revive the economy and attract investment opportunities within the three towns, equalising Small and Medium Enterprise growth and expansion for the betterment of the three towns’ livelihoods.
“We are privileged that we were granted this opportunity to get into this MoU as local authorities, as this agreement is not merely about this trade fair, but is an opportunity for our local authorities to put efforts and resources together to better our towns and its residents,” Kahua noted.
The event is expected to take place in Karibib in 2024 followed by Usakos in 2025.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency