Energy ministry looks ahead

The Ministry of Mines and Energy launched its strategic five-year plan on Monday this week. The ministry said it plans to focus on the adequate capitalisation of Epangelo which was allocated N$5 million in the 2012 national budget.
According to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Isak Katali, the lack of capital has seriously hampered Epangelo’s ability to acquire meaningful stakes in major mining projects.
The 2012/2013 to 2016/17 strategic plan also makes provision for government’s participation in exploration and mining. Through this plan, the ministry also wants to finance a “sustainable” revolving fund to fund economically viable mining projects.
Speaking at the launch, Katali said the strategic plan is a result of a week long meeting held in June 2011, where stakeholders embarked upon consultative exercises. “The Ministry of Mines and Energy does not operate in a static environment. Efforts made saw measurable strategic imperatives being developed for each directorate with the aim to ensure that the totality of our ministry’s activities culminate into the achievement of our overall strategic plan.
“Central to the launch of the strategic plan and the document itself which shall be regarded as live at all times, its review on a quarterly basis enable ourselves to measure the achievement of our targets,” said Katali.
He added that the ministry can only achieve its targets if all stakeholders fully understand and implement the strategic plan and abides by its dictations. “Together in harmony, teamwork, dedication and adherence to the public service rules and procedures, we will be able to take custody of Namibia’s rich endowment of minerals and energy resources and create an environment in which the mineral, energy and geological resources contribute to the country’s economic development.”
Other objectives as outlined in the strategic plan include: the revival of the Uis Tin Mine as well as the provision of funding so as to support the tin/tantalite buying scheme for the Brandberg Small Scale Miners Cooperative; the coordination of mining and energy activities; as well as to regularly hold discussions with the Ministry of Health and Social Services on radiation, occupational health and safety issues.