Salem Horticulture Farming Co-operative on the outskirts of Rundu faces a number of challenges and has appealed for government assistance.

The co-operative raised the matter with Vice President Lucia Witbooi, who visited the business.

Also known as the Salem Irrigation Project, it is a long-running small-scale farming initiative located near the Uvhungu-Vhungu village and Kaisosi area.

It is owned by its members as a community-based cooperative.

Its chairperson, Magdalena Simuketa, mentioned that the project faces challenges such as ageing water infrastructure, a lack of electricity, and insufficient ploughing tractors.

Simuketa said the pump station that feeds the project with water from the river has many faults, hampering their efforts.

"We have an old system installed by the founder, a German man, who named the garden Salem. The water pump system was installed in 1984."

Other challenges include limited market access and storage facilities.
"We lack storage facilities and a cold room, which means that during harvest time, our products are left exposed to the sun."

The Vice President lauded the Salem co-operative that is mainly operated by local women.

“Agriculture is one of the government's priority areas and one of the seven priority areas. I just want to applaud you, to commend you for something good that you have started some years and years back, and you are growing, you are not surrendering, there are many challenges on your way and there will still be challenges on your way, but still you stand strong and you are growing, and I also want to applaud the males that are amongst you."

Witbooi took note of the concerns raised.

“I will not say today; tomorrow I will attend to the water pump and the electricity, but I have heard your concerns, and I had also a chat this morning with the prime minister. He is aware; and is responsible for the whole government, not a specific Ministry.”

The fresh produce are sold to street vendors and a few supermarkets in Rundu as well as AMTA.