300 extra hectares
Once they manage to secure the extra 300 hectares, it will translate into 800 direct employment opportunities.
The Spanish company that last year secured a 60-hectare land leasing deal for the growing of asparagus at the Etunda green scheme in the Omusati Region, is now requesting an extra 300 hectares.
Industrials Almentaries de Navara, which operates in Namibia as Otjimbele Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, says it needs the extra land in order to achieve the full implementation of the multi-million dollar project.
The request was made by Otjimbele's general manager Carlos Lertxundi on Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Asparagus Agro-Processing Factory, which is being constructed at Oshifo.
Lertxundi told the gathering, which included Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, they have proven themselves to be serious investors.
“To reach this full implementation phase, we will need to get more land availed to the agricultural production in Etunda; more precisely an extra 300 hectares,” Lertxundi said.
“The company has proven to be a reliable and serious investor, committing and honouring our word since the very first beginning, and therefore I publicly request all present stakeholders to work together to achieve this full implementation scenario.”
Lertxundi said once they manage to secure the extra 300 hectares of land at Etunda, it will translate into 800 direct employment opportunities. They will increase the country's exports, as this development would see them shipping 200 containers of asparagus to the rest of the world, through the port of Walvis Bay.
“The opportunity is here, the opportunity is now, so let's shake hands together towards this goal. Right honourable prime minister, we hope to get your support for this achievement,” Lertxundi said.
He added that apart from the massive potential export and employment benefits, locals will benefit in terms of gaining skills on how to cultivate asparagus.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila thanked the firm and all other stakeholders that are playing a role in producing asparagus in Namibia.
Although she did not directly respond to Lertxundi's request, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila spoke highly of the full maximisation of communal land.
She urged investors to not only think of investing in commercialised areas, but to also look at achieving greatness in communal areas.
She said government will support projects that will assist in addressing national issues, such high unemployment amongst the youth.
“I want to thank the promoters of this initiative for coming up with this project and for making it a reality. The government will continue to support all efforts aimed at creating employment opportunities, especially for our youth.
“I am looking forward to more of these types of investments into our economy, which can impact the lives of so many of our people,” she added.
The first canned asparagus will be ready in less than a year.
KENYA KAMBOWE
Industrials Almentaries de Navara, which operates in Namibia as Otjimbele Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, says it needs the extra land in order to achieve the full implementation of the multi-million dollar project.
The request was made by Otjimbele's general manager Carlos Lertxundi on Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Asparagus Agro-Processing Factory, which is being constructed at Oshifo.
Lertxundi told the gathering, which included Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, they have proven themselves to be serious investors.
“To reach this full implementation phase, we will need to get more land availed to the agricultural production in Etunda; more precisely an extra 300 hectares,” Lertxundi said.
“The company has proven to be a reliable and serious investor, committing and honouring our word since the very first beginning, and therefore I publicly request all present stakeholders to work together to achieve this full implementation scenario.”
Lertxundi said once they manage to secure the extra 300 hectares of land at Etunda, it will translate into 800 direct employment opportunities. They will increase the country's exports, as this development would see them shipping 200 containers of asparagus to the rest of the world, through the port of Walvis Bay.
“The opportunity is here, the opportunity is now, so let's shake hands together towards this goal. Right honourable prime minister, we hope to get your support for this achievement,” Lertxundi said.
He added that apart from the massive potential export and employment benefits, locals will benefit in terms of gaining skills on how to cultivate asparagus.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila thanked the firm and all other stakeholders that are playing a role in producing asparagus in Namibia.
Although she did not directly respond to Lertxundi's request, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila spoke highly of the full maximisation of communal land.
She urged investors to not only think of investing in commercialised areas, but to also look at achieving greatness in communal areas.
She said government will support projects that will assist in addressing national issues, such high unemployment amongst the youth.
“I want to thank the promoters of this initiative for coming up with this project and for making it a reality. The government will continue to support all efforts aimed at creating employment opportunities, especially for our youth.
“I am looking forward to more of these types of investments into our economy, which can impact the lives of so many of our people,” she added.
The first canned asparagus will be ready in less than a year.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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