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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27505, member: 2262"] Lawmakers on the natural resources committee want tougher rules for mining and energy companies across Namibia. They believe these businesses need closer monitoring after finding problems with how they treat the environment and their workers. The committee members traveled to check on companies operating in the Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Erongo areas. They wanted to see if these companies followed the rules, helped local communities, and protected natural areas. The lawmakers visited many places during their trip, talking with people who run mines, make energy, and process natural materials from the land. Their report asks the government to play a bigger role in watching these companies. It also pushes for faster development of clean energy projects and demands companies do more to help nearby towns and villages where they operate. The report credited the Mines and Energy Ministry with bringing electricity to schools around the Oshikoto region. However, many schools still sit in darkness without any power at all. People living in certain areas told the committee about losing electricity whenever rain falls. Many locals also mentioned they can barely afford to pay their electric bills because the rates cost way more than they can handle. Clean energy projects move slowly across these regions. For example, the solar power plant at Onyaanya-Okatope hasn't started working yet. Another company called Dundee Precious Metals has begun building its solar plant at Oniipa. The government created its rural power program hoping to improve the lives of country folk, boost business activities, and improve health facilities and schools in these remote areas. [/QUOTE]

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