Stakeholders in the Hardap Region have called on the government to recognise skill development and capacity building as key pillars of the envisaged National Upstream Petroleum Policy.
They shared these sentiments during a stakeholder consultation session, conducted by the Upstream Petroleum Unit, under the Office of the President, and held in Mariental.
Giving their input, the stakeholders stated the need for training, scholarships, and skills transfer to ensure locals gain the skills to enhance their technical and leadership capacities in the emerging oil and gas sector.
Regional Councillor for the Aranos Constituency, Salomon Boois, informed the gathering of plans to bring training facilities to his constituency.
"We are busy with negotiations with a company called Aims; they want to open a VTC in Stampriet, and then we are also busy negotiating with an organisation called Cloaknet." They have a VTC in the north, but we want them to open it here as well. So, how ready and willing is this industry to contribute to establishing those types of institutions in the Hardap Region?"
Edward Wambo, Regional Councillor, Rehoboth-East Constituency, said, "We also want to see that there must be a serious and deliberate effort to plough back royalties. Royalties can assist bursaries."
Hardap Governor Riaan McNab also addressed the consultation session.
"We are on the threshold of a new era of hydrocarbon exploration and production. This pivotal moment offers tremendous opportunities for our nation. But it also brings the responsibility to ensure that Namibia and its people fully benefit from these valuable resources. It is therefore imperative that as a country, and in particular as a region, we position ourselves strategically to build sustainable local capacity and guarantee that Namibian citizens and companies play integral roles in the emerging oil and gas value chains."
Special Advisor to the President and Deputy Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency, Carlo McLeod, assured that stakeholders' views would be incorporated in the envisaged policy.
"This is our moment; this is our opportunity to make sure that this black gold discovered in our waters is transformed into real gold for every Namibian household. Let's build a strong partnership, not only with investors, but with each other. Let us support our youth, let's empower our entrepreneurs, and let's hold ourselves accountable to the higher standard of transparency and fairness."
The consultations will run until the third week of this month.