Kunene Governor Marius Sheya has called upon regional leaders to unite in order to achieve development for Kunene inhabitants, stating that the onus is on them to have a common purpose to attain social and economic development for all.
Sheya said this while delivering his fourth State of the Region Address (SORA) in Opuwo on Wednesday, emphasising on “a culture that ensures equal access to opportunities and where prosperity is shared, regardless of colour, race, creed, tribe, religion or gender”.
“We embrace the African proverb that says ‘when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion’ with the understanding that nothing is too big or impossible for us to achieve,” added Sheya.
The governor further stated that he would like to underscore the promotion of peaceful co-existence, political tolerance, fighting tribalism and promoting equality to unlock many opportunities that accelerate development and reduce poverty and inequality.
He said political leaders, religious leaders, government officials and traditional authorities play crucial roles in the social, infrastructure and economic development of the region.
“They serve as mobilising spirits and are promoters of peace and stability. It remains an advantage to have these entities as partners in the creation and promotion of social cohesion that is aimed at the production of national identity and patriotism, hence let us remain united to attain and achieve development for the Kunene Region and her people,” noted Sheya.
He highlighted that the region is in a unique position that accords it unique development advantages in both the blue and green economies.
However, while it is introducing projects like the Improving Rangeland and Ecosystem Management (IREMA) project for smallholder farmers at Sesfontein, Fransfontein and Warmquelle, the Namibia Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed System Improvement Project (NAMSIP) and Baynes Hydro-Power Plant to access green growth, it also needs funding from both local and foreign investors to promote green economy initiatives in local authorities and infiltrate the blue economy.
“We are adamant that our coastline and marine resources are of great economic value. The coastline encourages the establishment of a harbour while the tourism prospect of the coast cannot be argued away,” Sheya stated.
Source: Namibia News Agency
