The Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Tjekero Tweya said that Namibia has natural resources that can mitigate its energy challenges when he spoke during a courtesy visit to the Erongo Govenor’s in Swakopmund.

The meeting was part of a five-day oversight visit to the Erongo Region and included visits to Rössing Uranium, Husab Mine, Langer Heinrch Uranium Mine, Uis Tin Mining, Omusati Granite, Navachab Gold Mine and African Granite.

“As policy makers, we are elected by the rich, poor, young, old, and are obliged to make sure that the law is complied with.”

“Namibia is now rated the second biggest producer of uranium in the world, however we have a 60% energy deficit.”

“The resources that we have to address this energy need is here in Namibia and it is uranium. The time has come to change our mindset in terms of our resources,” said Tweya.

The Chairman also said that instead of pointing fingers at each other, there needs to be more dialogue to find lasting solutions in the mining sector.

“There are loopholes in the law that we need to correct and not just criticise and to blame each other. We must start talking to each other to provide alternative solutions to change the livelihoods of our people, who have given us the right and honour to be called honourables.”

“We should not confuse policies with laws. Some things only need common sense. We don’t need policies to practice common sense,” he said.