By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, 12 July – The citizens of Namibia are fervently calling for the revival of Air Namibia, a state company that was officially liquidated on 26th March 2021. Air Namibia, which had served as the nation’s carrier for several years, played a vital role in attracting tourists from around the world. However, two years after its closure, the nation feels that the government should have intervened to save the national carrier.
The liquidation of Air Namibia resulted in over 600 workers losing their jobs. The journey of the national carrier has been fraught with difficulties, as it had a history of relying on state bailouts. At one stage, the President of Namibia publicly announced, during a state of the nation address, that Air Namibia would be dissolved.
Despite receiving a total of N$477 million in state bailouts between 1999 and 2019, the financial challenges faced by the 75-year-old airline persisted. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the company, leading to a suspension of operations for several months.
Businesspeople in Katima and across the country are expressing their belief that the national carrier brought life to the economy, even during periods of financial losses. One local businessperson in the fishing sector stated, “The tourism that was booming was a result of Air Namibia. I would receive tourists who would book my boats and they would stay overnight at my friends’ guest houses. We were doing fine, but after the liquidation of Namibia, our business also died a natural death. The government must revive the airline.”
Another businessperson, identified as Matengu, emphasized the significance of Air Namibia, stating, “No country can survive without an airline. We all remember during the COVID-19 pandemic when Zimbabwe had to help Namibia deliver the much-needed COVID vaccines. That must have come at a huge cost too. We can’t rely on other people’s airlines; we need to have our own. Our prayers are for the government to relook at this matter and take it seriously.”
At the time of liquidation, Air Namibia reported liabilities amounting to N$247.7 million, with approximately N$693 million involving unpaid taxes.
The nation’s plea for the revival of Air Namibia stems from the recognition of its crucial role in the economy, particularly in the tourism sector. Citizens hope that the government will reassess the situation and prioritize the resurrection of the national carrier. Restoring Air Namibia could not only reinvigorate the economy but also reaffirm Namibia’s independence and self-sufficiency in the aviation industry.- Namibia Daily News
