“The launch of the USD2.5 billion (N$41 billion) Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project represents a significant milestone for Walvis Bay and Namibia as a whole. This investment has the potential to transform our town’s economic landscape and further position it as a strategic regional hub for energy, logistics and trade,” says Walvis Bay Mayor, Johannes Shimbilinga.
Shimbilinga remarked that beyond the infrastructure itself, the project is expected to create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities during its construction and operational phases, extending across sectors such as engineering, construction, transport and logistics, supply chains, maintenance and other supporting services. He further noted that the investment also presents significant prospects for skills development and the growth of local businesses, including SMEs, contractors and service providers. “We are particularly encouraged by the potential for our young people and local entrepreneurs to participate in these opportunities through skills transfer, training and local economic participation,” Shimbilinga added.
According to him, the ripple effect of this massive investment will extend well beyond the town of Walvis Bay, benefiting businesses, industries and communities across the country and the region. “From the Municipality’s perspective, this investment presents both an opportunity and a responsibility to plan for the growth it will stimulate. Increased economic activity has the potential to broaden our local economic base, attract further investment and strengthen the Municipality’s revenue base, while increasing demand for infrastructure, housing, utilities and essential services. Our priority must be to ensure that this investment translates into tangible and lasting benefits for our residents.
We welcome this development and look forward to working with Government, the investor and other stakeholders to promote inclusive and sustainable growth,” Mayor Shimbilinga told Namib Times. He concluded by noting that, ultimately, the municipality wants Walvis Bay to be not merely a point through which goods pass, but a place where investment, industry and opportunities take root and create prosperity for generations to come.
By Marshallino Beukes
