allAfrica.com: Namibia: Tale of Lonely Laderitz Town (Page 1 of 2)

If there is any town in Namibia that has survived tough economic times, turbulence and upheaval since its discovery, Laderitzbucht probably presents a classic example. The town has experienced harsh economic times in its existence. To understand these dynamics and complexities, one should unravel historical issues that have shaped the town. On top of this, there are issues that have generated a lot of interest if one looks at the post-independence Laderitz economy and its future prospects.

In itself, the awkward position of Laderitz raises a number of developmental questions. At the end of the long road and in a lonely position, LÃ¼deritz is being rediscovered.

Paradoxically, this town is well known for its extraordinary long tradition of generosity and hospitality. But this is a town which was originally founded as trading post and fishing village due to its excellent natural harbour.

When I arrived in Laderitz way back in 1991, I had no idea what the future held for me. The town was deeply in poor shape following many years of neglect by previous regimes.

I have always felt that Laderitz was a tired town waiting for its opportunity to arrive. LÃ¼deritz portrayed the images of a lost and forgotten town. All indications showed that the road towards economic prosperity would be bumpy and uncertain.

It was a town deeply insecure of its position. The challenges we collectively faced as inhabitants were enormous, considering the ageing infrastructure, years of neglect, serious lack of competent and professionals in key areas of administration. The early 1990s, the town of LÃ¼deritz mimicked the images of a dying town, close to that of the nearby abandoned ghost town of Kolmanskop.

The question whether Laderitz would one day rise again kept puzzling me in the early 1990s. Like those who have written off LÃ¼deritz as unable to recover, I did not see an easy way out.

I have always wondered why it has been the case, knowing that LÃ¼deritz boasts of rich natural resources as well as an interesting and wealthy recorded history. If properly marketed the town could be turned into a "gold mine".

With all this pessimism in mind, I never knew that I would one day be called upon to provide leadership in different ways and thus make a humble contribution towards the town's development, economic recovery and help define its future in the Namibian economy.

Recently, a meeting was held between the Laderitz-based fishing industry and Namport to consider the prevailing business climate. This platform has revealed a number of legitimate issues. This platform highlights the rising costs of doing business from the harbour town of LÃ¼deritz.

It has further raised eyebrows over the town's future. It clearly demonstrates that the town was at a crossroads and needed to take a fresh look at its future survival. It further illustrates the need for alternative economic sectors on which the town can rely upon for its future survival.

Namport's strong view of having difficulty in promoting and operating a port not linked to a railway network system speaks volumes if new diversified markets have to be found. The urgent need for Government's intervention becomes much clearer when the subject of the future of LÃ¼deritz crops up.

On the other hand, it is a fallacy that the fishing industry is awash with money. Most fishing outfits in the industry are struggling, citing operational difficulties mainly due to rising costs of doing business in Laderitz, external factors and other reasons.

The fact of the matter is that the fishing industry which was seen as a "gold mine" by the locals can no longer be relied upon. The fishing honeymoon seems short-lived with no clear signs of recovery any time soon.

It is imperative that Government supports initiatives aimed at boosting the survival of the town amidst a changing business climate, external factors and globalization impacts which are real. Government's direct injection is vital to keep the town afloat.

It is important that the town diversifies its commercial and industrial infrastructure so as to lower its high level of dependence on only few major contributors to its economy.

At present tourist related investment appears to be the most viable alternative upon which to build and strengthen the local economy. At independence, the new Government mooted special development initiatives to revive the town's economy and thereby ensure its long-term sustainability. Today, it appears that there has been a major shift by Government from its original commitments of saving LÃ¼deritz. This situation is very difficult to explain. But to understand the town, one must examine a number of key issues.

Laderitz is widely regarded as extremely wealthy as the town is endowed with fish, lobster and diamonds, etc. For many Buchters (Namibians born and bred in Laderitz) it is widely argued that the economic benefits accrued from natural wealth found in Laderitz do not return to LÃ¼deritz to help accelerate development in the harbour town.

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