TSUMEB'S PROMISING ECONOMY
editTsumeb is a city[1] and the largest town in Oshikoto region in northern Namibia. Tsumeb is the home of the world-famous Tsumeb mine, and the "gateway to the north" of Namibia.[2] It is the closest town to the Etosha National Park and has a population of 14,113 inhabitants.[3] Tsumeb used to be the regional capital of Oshikoto until 2008 when Omuthiya was proclaimed a town and the new capital.[4] The town area of Tsumeb forms its own electoral constituency.
Industry
edit- CEMENT FACTORY
Ohorongo Cement was established in 2007. The plant will be situated between towns of Tsumeb and Otavi in northern Namibia on Farm Sargberg-some 45 km south of Tsumeb, where limestone reserves appear to be adequate for approximately 300 years. It is currently under construction and believed to boost the economy of both Tsumeb and Otavi and the whole of Namibia at large.
The Civil Engineer, Mr. Peter Franz, believes that once the factory is completed, it is going to be responsible for the employment of about 500 workers-for which about 300 houses will be built to accommodate them.
Other long term benefits linked to the Ohorongo Cement project includes:
Secured cement supply for the domestic market. An increase in domestic demand will be adjusted by the decline of exports (Capacity: 650000 tpa - actual Namibian market: 320000 tpa). The realisation of strategic projects, including power plants, water dams and infrastructure measurement with high cement demand. Development of the Otjozondjupa region and Oshikoto region by sustainable job creation, as well as housing, infrastructure, schools for education, medical care and commercial facilities.
Once the construction phase at the plant had started, Ohorongo Cement contracted Polysius AG, a highly competent partner for project elaboration, design, delivery, erection, commissioning and comprehensive service activities.
The partnership between the Schwenk Group and Polysius has been in existance for more than a hundred years and their competence in erecting cement factories is why the company had been contracted. The plant is expected to be fully functional by 2010, producing 700,000 tons of cement per year.
Ohorongo Cement (as the factory is known), is a member of the Schwenk family-which owns 100% of the company and is currently in the process of partnering with Namibian investors. With this investment of N$2.5 billion, the Schwenk group brings 160 years of experience with the establishment of Ohorongo Cement.[5]
- AGRICULTURE
The Tsumeb district offers a great investment opportunity for any prospective commercial farmer. There are 105 commercial farms around Tsumeb. The area consists largely of rolling hills covered in thorn bush. Tsumeb falls under the dry woodland, savannah vegetation zone. The soil around Tsumeb varies in quality from very fertile red loam through black turf to chalky clay and loam.
The Tsumeb district is perfectly suited to intensified farming and crop production. There is an abundance of ground water and regular rainfall in the summer months. Irrigation makes the area even more productive. Framers in the area grow citrus fruits with much success. The main crops grown are maize, sorghum and sunflowers.
Farmers interested in the livestock farming will find that the Tsumeb district offers a good environment for all kinds of livestock farming. They usually farm with cattle in this district. Sheep and Goat farming is not that common yet, a few farmers farm ostriches and chicken. [6]