Arandis Town Council Launches Strategic Plan 2024-2029

On Friday, 06 September 2024, the Arandis Town Council (ATC) officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 at the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund. The launch event saw the attendance of ATC staff, councillors, and various stakeholders, with the official launch performed by the Honourable Deputy Minister, Eveline !Nawases- Taeyele.

A key highlight of the event was a presentation by Liesbeth Verhauert, the Hydrogen & Ammonia Production Manager at CMB Tech, who shared an exciting vision of a green future for Arandis. Verhauert announced that Arandis is ideally positioned to produce green electricity and hydrogen at the lowest cost, owing to its high solar irradiation values, which are among the highest globally. Plans include the installation of a 900MW photovoltaic (PV) farm and a 500MW electrolyser near Arandis, focusing on local employment and upskilling initiatives.

The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stanley Norris emphasized that the Strategic Plan for the 2024-2029 period, is a blueprint, designed to guide Arandis towards future of Sustainable Growth. This, strategic focus is entirely aligned with the National Development Plan 5 (NDP5), emphasizing, economic advancement through Increased Industrial Activity. Our vision for Arandis is to leverage our land as a Critical Factor of Production, transforming it into a cornerstone for economic growth. By optimizing land use, we aim to, attract investment, create jobs, and generate additional revenue. This approach will not only enhance, our municipal services, but also, contribute significantly to the broader National Objectives, he said.

He further added that ”To illustrate the potential of this strategy, let us consider the case of Shenzhen that started out as a Small fishing village, in Southern China, that embarked on a remarkable transformative journey. Through the efficient use land, it increased its industrial activity, evolving into a blooming, Metropolis. The city developed Special Economic Zones that attracted both Domestic and Foreign investment. This development created a robust Local Economy, Boosted Municipal Revenue, and Improved Public Service Delivery. This case demonstrates the transformative power of Industrial Activity, transforming a Village, to a Town, a Town into a City, and a City to a Metropolis”. In a similar vein, Arandis can harness its land resources, to become a beacon of economic growth. By focusing on industrialized activities, we can create a vibrant local economy, Improve our Service Delivery, and align With The National Visio, he concluded.

The council highlights that that the focus areas for the following 5 years will be:

• Joint Venture Participation

• Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Production

• Industrialization

• Support Services

• Logistics

As the council embarks on this journey, it also looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to drive sustainable development and innovation.

Stay tuned for more updates and join ATC in making Arandis a hub of growth, opportunity, and sustainability!