KEETMANSHOOP: Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen has said Lderitz is destined to become a booming commercial centre and urged its residents to embrace the new realities that come with socio-economic opportunities. Klazen, who was speaking at the 2024 Crayfish Festival gala dinner in Lderitz recently, said that strategic businesses or investors must consider the interest of the local community by providing high-quality amenities such as health services and education, amongst others, when deciding where to invest. 'There are the oil and gas sectors as well as the envisaged green hydrogen project and logistics industry. When it comes to the development of our towns, I should point out that the people want their communities to be safe, friendly, healthy and prosperous,' he said. He added that the Ministry of Fisheries is pleased with the role it continues to play to keep Lderitz alive in terms of its economy while efforts are being made to diversify the local economy. Klazen urged the Ld eritz Town Council, all forward-looking institutions, and residents to make it their business to promote sustainable development and to push ahead with the development agenda. 'It is important to stress that the meaningful development you desire should be driven locally and the central government is always at your disposal to assist in the effective realisation of the dreams of the citizens,' he stressed. About N.dollars 800 000 was pledged towards the 2024 Crayfish Festival, which is expected to take place from 29 April to 05 May 2024 under the theme 'Riding the waves towards a sustainable future.' Source: The Namibia Press Agency