Helao Nafidi launches investment plan 

By The Namibian 20 August 2021 • HILENI NEMBWAYATHE Helao Nafidi Town Council has launched its investment plan for the 2021/22 financial year, and the catch is 3 000 registered erven, and a need for a dry port. The plan is aimed at attracting investors to the town and to retain its status as the economic powerhouse of the northern towns in the country, particularly at Oshikango. The northern border town is strategically located on the Trans Cunene corridor that links Namibian traders from the coastal town of Walvis Bay to Angola and other southern African countries. Over the years, the town’s busiest economic hub, Oshikango, gradually began to turn into a ghost town due to the slow economic activities in Angola and the ban on the use of the American dollar. Darius Shaalukeni, the town’s mayor, said that the council strives to revive the economic status of Helao Nafidi and attract credible investors. “Our aspiration is to ensure that the town of Helao Nafidi attracts credible investors, whereby benefits are evenly shared and make all citizens comfortable. A sustainable growth can improve the living standards of the citizens of our town and increase opportunities for people to fulfil their potential,” he said.
Shaalukeni said the council is passionate about building an economy that delivers for everyone and leave none of the town’s residents behind. “Together as a team, council is focused on spurring advancement that leads to creating more jobs, higher incomes, less poverty, higher living standards, and a healthier society. “We take action every day to ensure broadly shared prosperity across our town by modernising our infrastructure; cutting red tape to attract more business and investment; strengthening the region’s key sectors, like housing development, health and agribusiness; and supporting the entrepreneurs and small business owners who represent the heart and soul of our local job market,” said Shaalukeni. He added that the town has close to 3 000 registered erven, both industrial and residential, however, is in dire need of housing units for all income groups. The town needs a dry port, industrial zone, housing, tourist activities, warehousing and logistics at Oshikango, and many other business developments. Email: bottomline@namibian.com.na