The Katutura Central Constituency office handed over income-generating equipment and materials worth N$277,000 to 20 residents on Saturday, aiming to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), create jobs, and tackle unemployment.

The donations, provided under the Khomas Regional Council's Income-Generating Activities Programme, included sewing machines, catering equipment, welding gear, and carpentry tools.

Katutura Central Constituency Councillor, Vezemba Katjaimo, urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity. "If you show the council that this N$277,000 has been transformed into thriving shops, busy workshops, and active services, I promise you this: my dream is to push this budget from N$277,000 to N$500,000 next year," he said. "Your hard work today is the proposal for tomorrow's funding."

Recipients expressed gratitude and outlined expansion plans.

Warren Xoagub said, "I feel good about this funding. It's going to help me employ guys from the street who aren't working, so we can work together to make safe money for our kids."

Eugenia Geises, who received equipment alongside her retired seamstress aunt, added, "I'm so happy and grateful. I'll start with my best and expand it. We're starting our tailoring business together."

Cosmos Katjiruru, who got upholstery equipment, noted, "I have a small furniture repair business. Now I can expand, employ one or two people, and share with others."

The Khomas Regional Council allocates about N$2.5 million annually to the programme across nine constituencies.