Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga has said that the ministry is in the process of developing an online mineral rights application system to improve transparency and deepen public trust.
“The project is envisaged to be completed during the 2023/2024 financial year,” Shilunga said in Parliament last week while motivating the ministry’s budget totalling N$250.6 million.
Shilunga also said that the finalization of the Minerals Bill remains a priority and this project is at an advance stage.
“The Ministry has secured a legal person from the Attorney General’s office to assist with the process of stakeholder engagement. The Ministry continues to assist Small-Scale miners to be part of the mainstream economy,” she said.
She went on to state that a facility for processing of semi-precious stones in Khorixas, Kunene region was completed and handed over to the Ministry of Mines and Energy in December 2022 further stating that a budget is available in the 2023/2024 Financial Year to operationalize the facility.
“Once operational, the facility will contribute towards employment creation and skills development in the region.”
On the energy front, Shilunga explained that although this year has experienced high volatility in fuel prices, the Ministry has maintained stability in the supply of petroleum products in the country.
“Through, the National Energy Fund the Ministry continues to subsidize energy prices as per its mandate, and levies imposed on controlled petroleum products and electricity. During 2022/2023 Financial Year, the international prices of petroleum products have been unfavourable, especially for net importing countries like Namibia. Although this has been a challenge, the Ministry was able to support the fuel industry and economy in general by ensuring the security of supply and accessibility of petroleum products,” Shilunga explained before saying that besides fuel price increases that were imposed on the pump prices and electricity tariffs, equally the Ministry, through the National Energy Fund, subsidised fuel prices at a total amount of N$328 million and N$100 million paid for electricity tariff under-recoveries.
“The Ministry will continue to improve sector compliance and monitor the international and local markets, to ensure that petroleum products imported into the country are competitive and reflect the actual cost incurred. Alternative ways are being explored to ensure fuel security of supply at affordable prices.”
She also stated that the Ministry aims to improve access to electricity at various levels, at the household level and the Solar Revolving Fund has financed the electrification of 400 households with solar systems at a cost of N$12 million.
“In order to ensure security of electricity supply, the Ministry received a capital budget of N$54 million allocation for the financial year 2023/2024. With this allocation the Ministry envisages to electrify about 78 rural public institutions, such as schools, clinics and at least 180 households,” said Shilunga.