Stefanus Nashama
The Walvis Bay branch of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) is demanding the fair allocation of fishing quotas to all citizens in Namibia, with a particular focus on unemployed people.
A group of unemployed individuals, organized by NEFF member Immanuel Pombili, gathered yesterday in the open area near Kuisebmund Soccer Stadium to present their petition to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
The petition calls for the allocation of governmental objectives fishing quotas to unemployed Namibians.
In their petition, the group urges the government to review the current fishing governmental objectives and consider allocating fishing quotas to unemployed citizens.
They have set a deadline for the government to respond to their request, expecting a reply by December 15, 2023.
The group expressed their feeling of exclusion from accessing the country’s natural resources to address the issues of poverty and unemployment.
They believe that fishing quotas are currently allocated primarily to wealthy individuals, leaving the unemployed at a disadvantage.
NEFF Commissar for Economic Development and Social Activist, Michael Amushelelo, who also participated in the protest, emphasized the right of unemployed individuals to be allocated fishing quotas.
However, he stressed that the government must take the demands of the people seriously for the matter to be addressed.
Amushelelo pointed out that for the past 33 years since independence, only a select few have benefited from the country’s marine resources.
He described this situation as unfair and called for an urgent review of quota allocation to address the issue.
He believes that allocating fishing quotas to the unemployed could help reduce the number of job seekers and provide opportunities for those in need.
Amushelelo urged Namibians to demand a fair share of natural resources and emphasized that change would only come when the government understands the needs and interests of its citizens.
To achieve this, he called for peaceful collaboration and advocacy to convince the government, particularly the Ministry responsible for fishing allocation.
An official from the ministry received the petition and promised a response in due course.
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