Haikola-Sakaria Calls For Decentralisation To Tupport Small-Scale Miners
Member of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Hon. Ester Haikola-Sakaria, has raised concerns over the lack of decentralised functions within the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, saying the situation is leaving small-scale miners without adequate support or accessible channels to raise their grievances.
Haikola-Sakaria made the remarks during a visit to Ouanomake Mining in the Opuwo Rural area, where she highlighted the challenges faced by small-scale miners operating far from the ministry’s central offices.
According to her, the absence of effective decentralised services means that miners in remote areas can struggle to access government officials responsible for addressing their concerns, including matters related to mining operations, regulation and administrative processes.
She said bringing some of the ministry’s functions closer to mining communities would make it easier for small-scale miners to engage authorities and seek assistance when problems arise.
The call comes amid growing parliamentary attention to mining activities in the Kunene Region.
Haikola-Sakaria has previously raised concerns about working conditions and regulatory oversight at mining operations in the Opuwo area, calling for the Ministry of Mines and Energy to take its mandate more seriously.
She argued that stronger government presence at regional and local level could also improve oversight of mining activities and ensure that communities are not left behind while mineral resources are being extracted.
The concerns are particularly relevant in remote areas where small-scale miners may have limited access to government offices and technical assistance.
Haikola-Sakaria’s remarks form part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources’ engagement with mining operations in the region.
The committee has been examining issues affecting mining activities, including safety, regulatory compliance and the benefits derived by local communities.
During a recent visit to Okarikua Mining in the Kunene Region, Haikola-Sakaria also criticised inadequate worker safety measures and called for improved oversight by the ministry.
The latest call for decentralisation therefore places emphasis not only on mineral extraction, but also on ensuring that miners operating in rural areas have direct and practical access to the institutions responsible for regulating and supporting the sector.
For small-scale miners, greater accessibility to government services could help them raise grievances more efficiently, obtain guidance on regulatory requirements and address challenges without having to travel long distances to central offices.
Haikola-Sakaria’s intervention adds to the broader debate over how Namibia can strengthen governance of its mining sector while ensuring that rural communities and small-scale operators have a meaningful opportunity to participate in and benefit from the country’s mineral resources.
Source: Parliament of the Republic of Namibia.
