Several small and medium enterprise (SME) owners at Walvis Bay received business equipment from the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency Office in their effort to stimulate local economic growth and reduce poverty. 

Handing over the equipment, Rural Constituency Councillor Ruben Shikongo urged beneficiaries to use the tools productively to strengthen their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the town's economic development.

Shikongo said small businesses play a critical role in alleviating poverty, creating employment and improving livelihoods in communities.

The councillor, however, cautioned beneficiaries against selling the equipment or relocating it outside the constituency, warning that such action would defeat the purpose of the empowerment initiative. 

To ensure accountability and measurable progress, Shikongo said his office will be monitoring the businesses by requesting three months' bank statements to assess growth and sustainability.