Amta opens distribution centre at Gobabis

THE Agro Marketing and Trade Agency opened a distribution branch at Gobabis in the Omaheke region last Friday.

In a social media post, the agency said this was in response to a call by regional governor Pio Nganate in February this year for the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (Amta) to improve its visibility in the region.

Amta board member Jason Hailonga said the agency was established in 2013 with the mandate to manage the marketing and trade of agricultural produce to Namibians.

“The establishment of the Gobabis distribution centre will therefore serve the residents of the region and beyond in the supply and selling of produce from the surrounding areas, the selling of fish, meat and poultry products, and the provision of transport logistics, processing and value addition,” he said.

Hailonga assured the region that Amta is ready to work with the communities for the sustainability of the distribution centre.

Nganate said he appreciated that Amta listened to his call, and said the distribution centre comes at the right time, amid the adversities of Covid-19, and that the region has something to celebrate.

He said the government is determined and committed to providing all needed services to support communities.

“Pillar Three of the Harambee Prosperity Plan II is the cornerstone of the HPP that advocates improved quality of life for all Namibians, particularly the vulnerable members of society,” the governor said.

He said the government took significant steps over the past few years, but more effort is required from the government as well as the private sector to eradicate hunger and poverty.

“… allow me to note that the Omaheke region is well-known as the cattle country, with vast areas of land available. I wish to challenge my region and the community at large to diversify their farming to include crop farming alongside livestock farming,” Nganate said.

He urged residents to not limit their capabilities as his office was in consultation with key stakeholders for a possible rebranding of the region from ‘cattle country’ to the ‘agro-processing and innovation hub of Namibia’ to enhance food security.

He urged Omaheke residents and other stakeholders, including government ministries and agencies, to continue supporting Amta in making their strategic objectives a reality.

– matthew@namibian.com.na