Lawmakers tour Debmarine vessels to assess offshore diamond operations
Members of Parliament serving on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources have visited Debmarine Namibia’s offshore diamond mining vessels as part of an oversight visit aimed at gaining a better understanding of the country’s marine mining operations.
The visit, which took place in the //Kharas Region on Wednesday, saw the MPs tour the Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma and Benguela Gem vessels alongside Debmarine Namibia chief executive officer Willy Mertens.
Speaking during the visit, committee chairperson Tobie Aupindi described the experience as an eye opener, saying it gave lawmakers a first hand look at how offshore diamond mining contributes to Namibia’s economy.
Aupindi commended Debmarine Namibia for its role in supporting the country’s socio economic development and assured the company of Parliament’s continued support.
Official Opposition leader and committee member Fenny Nashinge also praised the company’s contribution to economic growth, saying government and industry must continue working together to address challenges affecting the sector.
She said visits of this nature help lawmakers better understand the industry’s operations and the issues facing businesses.
Mertens welcomed the committee’s visit, describing it as the first time Members of Parliament had toured the company’s offshore mining vessels.
He said the visit gave parliamentarians a practical understanding of Namibia’s offshore diamond mining industry, including the technology used in operations and the sector’s contribution to national development.
According to Mertens, stronger engagement between Parliament and the mining industry will help improve decision making on matters affecting the sector.
