Beneficiaries of the Oshikoto Regional Governor's Micro Income-Generating Projects Programme have welcomed the equipment donated to them, saying it comes at a critical time when lack of tools and materials was limiting the growth of their businesses.
Several beneficiaries shared how the support will significantly reduce operating costs and improve productivity. This will allow them to focus fully on expanding their enterprises.
Theresia Geises (32) from the Guinas constituency, who received a chest freezer and a meat cutter for her retail business, said the donation has brought much-needed relief. She explained that before receiving the equipment, she had to rent a meat cutter and rely on other people's freezers to store her meat.
"I used to pay at least N$300 just to use a meat cutter, and sometimes I was asked to pay with both money and meat for freezer space. Now that I have my own equipment, that money will stay in my pocket, and I can concentrate on growing my business," Geises said.
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In the Onyaanya constituency, the headman of Okakunda-Amutenya who is also a gardener, Petrus Nankulungu (62), said the water tank and garden equipment he received will transform his operations.
Nankulungu explained that he previously fetched water using drums and stored it for watering his garden, a process that was both time-consuming and physically demanding.
"With the water tank, things will be much easier," he said.
He added that he had a serious challenge with animals destroying his crops because his garden was not fenced.
The fencing materials provided will now allow him to properly secure his garden and protect his produce.
Meanwhile, welding and metal fabrication entrepreneur Bernhard Mbwalala from the Olukonda constituency said the donated welding equipment will help him save money and take on more work. He explained that he previously depended on hiring equipment from others, sometimes paying up to N$300 per day depending on the nature of the job. "I am very grateful to the office of the governor for this support," Mbwalala said.
He promised to work hard and expand his business now that he has his own equipment.
The equipment handover was conducted by the office of the Oshikoto Regional Governor as part of its Micro Income-Generating Projects Programme, which aims to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and inclusive local economic development.
The initiative focuses on equipping small businesses with essential tools to enable them to generate income, create employment and strengthen household livelihoods.
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During the handover, Oshikoto Region Governor Sacky Kathindi expressed that the government support is meant to empower communities but comes with responsibility. He urged beneficiaries to use the equipment strictly for its intended purpose, maintain it properly and ensure accountability.
The governor also called on regional councillors, constituency offices and technical officials to continue monitoring and mentoring the supported projects to ensure sustainability and alignment with regional development priorities and the national agenda of the eighth administration.
Several constituencies benefitted from the handover, including Guinas, Olukonda, Okankolo, Onyaanya and Nehale Lya Mpingana, covering enterprises in retail, catering, welding, poultry, tailoring, fashion design and gardening.
