STAFF WRITER
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on natural resources, Toby Aupindi on Monday said most Namibians are suffering because of greed from some leaders and failure by those exploiting natural resources to prioritise people ahead of profits.
He was speaking at a workshop with stakeholders in Swakopmund.
He said the Natural Resource Committee, will demand for a people – centered, ethical leadership within the industry players within the natural resources sector.
“Even as we speak here, many Namibian people are hurting from economic devastations and poverty. This is because of both greed and lack of actions,” Aupindi said.
Aupindi told fellow parliamentarians that equal access to resources is part of the Namibian constitution that must be implemented for the benefit of everyone.
“The Founders of our constitution were not out of order when they put these provisions in the constitution. So any official who will systematically absent themselves upon being invited by the Committee, let them be on notice that our powers are provided for by the constitution. And I say this without fear of contradiction, that in future, those who absent themselves will be subpoenaed to appear before the committee,” Aupindi said
He said the Natural Resource Committee, will demand for a leadership were captains of industry are more people centered and not just profit mongers.
“We need to care more about people over profits.
Quoting former US President Ronald Reagan Aupindi said “The republic is a dream. Nothing happens unless first a dream.” And he further said “We’ve always reached for a new spirit and aimed at a higher goal. We’ve been courageous and determined, unafraid and bold. Who among us wants to be first to say we no longer have those qualities, that we must limp along, doing the same things that have brought us our present misery?”
Speaking at the same event , Erongo Regional Governor, Natalia Goagoses raised concern that the coastal region which is home to many mines and produces a significant chunk of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is sinking in poverty with 32 percent unemployment rate.
She said she will not recognise the tag of being the region of excellence while plagued with a plethora of socio-economic problems.
She was speaking to stakeholders and parliamentarians in Swakopmund.
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