SME support crucial to economic development: Imbamba

Arandis Constituency Councillor and chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council management committee , Benitha Imbamba has emphasised the need to fund upcoming businesses for them to develop into well - established businesses . Imbamba , who was speaking at the handing over of equipment and materials to 24 local small and medium enterprises ( SMEs ) in Arandis on Wednesday , noted that this sector is the backbone of the economy and it is imperative to assist them . ' Our government is trying its best to eradicate poverty and therefore introduced NDP5 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan , in which economic development is emphasised as one of its pillars ,' she said . The funding of the equipment which consists of sewing machines , gardening equipment and refrigerators , among others , was made possible through the Erongo Regional Council ' s Constituency Development Fund ( CDF ). A total of over N . dollars 350 000 was allocated for about 30 projects in both Arandis and Henties Bay . Imbamba said the handing over of the equipment is a testament of the collective efforts , shared goals and the unity that drives the communities forward . Deputy Director for Regional Planning in the Erongo council , Sylvester Mubila at the same event highlighted the importance of individual participation in national , regional and local development through the CDF . He further outlined the government ' s broader goals , explaining that the CDF is designed to support infrastructure development at a minor level , complementing existing socio - economic programmes . ' We are running what we call capital projects in various constituencies , but through the CDF programme , which is community - driven , we want to bring in a component of infrastructure development at a minor level , which we are going to call the minor capital programme ,' he explained . Frieda Ndengu , on behalf of the beneficiaries , expressed gratitude to the government and constituency office for recognising their efforts in contributing to economic development . Ndengu , who received sewing equipment , highlighted the importance of continued support for the community , particularly in times of need , and the collective effort to foster development through collaboration and resourcefulness . ' We will definitely put this equipment to good use and will ensure that through our hard work , our SMEs will prosper ,' Ndengu assured Source: The Namibia News Agency