Some of Lüderitz’ young people fear rapid development as a result of the anticipated green hydrogen boom at the town would not be to their benefit.
“The aspirations of young people are mixed with hope and concern,” says Dinelago Mutota, a youth activist at Lüderitz.
“Many of us see the potential for increased job opportunities, better education and improved infrastructure – all of which could lead to a better quality of life.
“With improved healthcare, efficient and effective public services, there is hope that these developments would address some of the challenges faced by the community,” she says.
Talking to The Namibian, young residents of the town recently expressed a mix of optimism and apprehension about their town’s evolving landscape.
Mutota says: “The youth are looking for transparency in how these projects are managed and a commitment to uplifting our community through education, vocational training and inclusive policies.”
She says young people want to be part of shaping a future that balances opportunity with the preservation of Lüderitz’s unique heritage and environment.
“While the energy boom holds promise, not all segments of the population will benefit equally,” she says.
Mutota says young people fear that without proper support benefits would only reach a selected few.
“There is a fear that wealth and resources might be concentrated among big companies and those already in positions of power,” she says.
They worry about being excluded from decision-making processes, she says.
“There is the risk that the energy boom could widen the gap between the wealthy and the rest of the population.”
Raygino Ortman, an undergraduate education student at the University of Namibia, says he is excited about the upcoming changes at his town.
“However, I have often felt that opportunities have been concentrated within a limited circle, leaving many of us without access to the benefits,” he says.
Ortman believes the benefits of the town’s energy boom may not reach all segments of the population, particularly the youth.
“As a young person from Lüderitz, I feel compelled to defend our position. Many in our community have given up on seeking opportunities due to constant exclusion, and I can personally attest to that,” he says.
“The concern here is clear: without deliberate efforts to ensure equitable resource distribution, social inequalities will persist.
If the energy boom does not translate into tangible benefits for all, including the youth, we risk creating a divide that could hinder the overall development of Lüderitz,” Ortman says.
“It’s essential that we advocate a more inclusive approach.”
Omega Goeieman, also a member of Lüderitz’s youth, says young people aspire to be positive contributing members of society, but says many young people at the town are employed at establishments paying them less than N$4 000 a month.
“This means you can’t really further your education to fit the high-profile jobs that may be coming this way. We make enough to get by, but not to really upscale ourselves academically,” he says.
Goeieman adds that the fishing sector is currently taking a big knock.
“Employment in those spaces are limited, and we are stuck with a whole host of skills that are relatively useless in these emerging industries.
“I don’t really see a better quality of life for the Lüderitz youth – unless opportunities arise for freely accessible training or on-the-job training, especially in entry-level positions,” he says.
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