Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called for the immediate operationalisation of the Uvungu-Vungu dairy farm in Kavango East, a government project that has remained dormant for over 16 years despite an investment exceeding N$160 million.
Speaking during an official visit to the region, Ngurare expressed disappointment over the prolonged inactivity at the state-funded facility. He emphasized that the project must be revived before the end of the year, stating, “This facility must be up and running come rain or shine.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing frustration from the Shambyu Traditional Authority, which had allocated the land for the project years ago with the expectation of local economic benefits. The authority has warned that if the government fails to utilize the land productively, it may seek its return.
Earlier in the day, Ngurare, accompanied by Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani, was shown a new parcel of land by the Shambyu Traditional Authority. The land has been earmarked for the development of a new agro-processing plant aimed at boosting agricultural value chains and job creation in the region.
Ngurare commended the traditional leaders for their cooperation, stating that the government has already allocated a budget for the project and is ready to begin construction immediately. “The only requirement was land, and the Shambyu leadership has delivered on that,” he said.
The planned agro-processing plant and the revival of the dairy farm form part of a broader government effort to stimulate agricultural production, promote food self-sufficiency, and create sustainable employment opportunities in rural Namibia.
The Kavango East region, known for its fertile land and high agricultural potential, is expected to play a key role in the government’s national development agenda.
