Oranjemund seeks to diversify its economy beyond diamonds
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Namibian
Illustrative image · Ryan Lansdown · Pexels · Licence PexelsMayor Pankratius Kondjamba says Oranjemund wants to develop agriculture, support local businesses and attract investment to reduce its dependence on diamond mining. Regulatory restrictions linked to the national park are, however, holding back agricultural projects, reports The Namibian.
Oranjemund mayor Pankratius Kondjamba called on Friday 6 November for the development of other economic activities in the mining town in the ||Kharas region to reduce its dependence on diamonds. He was speaking at an economic conference held in Windhoek in preparation for the Oranjemund Diamond Festival, scheduled for 3 to 5 December, according to The Namibian.
Agriculture is among the options identified, but its development is being held back by rules governing activities in the national park on the other side of the Orange River. Pankratius Kondjamba said discussions had already taken place between the ministers concerned and other stakeholders, with a request to lift these restrictions.
The mayor also called on local small and medium-sized enterprises to seek contracts beyond Namdeb, the company that operates Oranjemund's diamond activities. The Oranjemund Integrated Development and Sustainability initiative is working with, among others, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and the Namibian Agronomic Board to identify investment, develop agriculture and support local businesses.
