RURALREVIVE Brochure

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Building a Desert Based Economy Daweb | Hardap Region | Namibia

RuralRevive – Building a Desert Based Economy is a project conceptualized under ‘The AridEden Project Wolwedans Vision 2030’ – a framework which encapsulates Wolwedans' sustainability journey ahead.

Underpinned by a philosophy of balancing people, planet and profit, it aims at building resilient and thus more sustainable, inclusive and equitable tourism and conservaOon economies.

Sustainability at Wolwedans and hence RuralRevive too, is based on five core sustainability pillars: Commerce | Community| ConservaOon | Consciousness | Culture.

The RuralRevive Initiative seeks to address five pressing global challenges: • • • • •

…through a number of projects and interventions covering nine fields or ‘spheres’: •

These 5C’s guide us in all we do.

Since 2021 RuralRevive has made significant progress in achieving its first project milestones and establishing the foundaOon for a holisOc economic concept that will benefit local communiOes in the Daweb ConsOtuency.

The primary goal of RuralRevive is to revitalize Maltahöhe and its people through a diversified local economy, creaOng sustainable entrepreneurial and employment opportuniOes while addressing supply chain gaps and supporOng underprivileged individuals in the area.

Climate Change Wealth Inequality Food (In)Security Plastic and Waste Rural Youth Exodus

• • • • • • • •

Enterprise Development – ‘building a desert based economy’ - the driving force of RR Horticulture & Food Security Transport & Logistics Waste Management & Recycling Resources (Energy & Water) Education & Skills Development Community Well-being & Nutrition Culture & Heritage Media Ecology & Advocacy

IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN The Republic of Namibia is ranked 2nd in the world when it comes to the income inequality between rich and poor. This is perhaps most evident in rural areas of the country, particularly in the Maltahöhe district. It is a region which has been in economic decline for decades.

Increasing droughts as a result of climate change and the collapse of Karakul sheep farming as an economic pillar have exacerbated the socio-economic challenges faced by the community, resulting in considerable social upheaval among the local population, including rural exodus and alcohol abuse as consequences of hopelessness. The longer-term implications have seen

This mission is no quick fix and a long journey lies ahead.

the erosion of the community’s social fabric and disappearance of local knowledge and traditions.

Within this context, the number of tourism products operating in the region of the iconic Namib Desert has grown considerably over the past few years. Their

products and services, especially those that are locally

opportunity must be connected, acknowledging that

produced as they offer a compeOOve advantage due to

investing in capacity building, skills training and human

much lower transportaOon costs.

development is key. Combining the insights and

In recogniOon of the win-win opportuniOes presented by

experiences of key stakeholders from the Maltahöhe

Therefore, the village is strategically located as a

this scenario, Wolwedans has chosen to be part of the

area will result in the co-creation of opportunities built

potential distribution hub and shipment point for

soluOon whereby the two ends of tourism needs and local

on economic development and empowerment activities.

supply chains for goods and services extend all the way to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, which is 350km away with these supply routes passing through Maltahöhe.

A morning’s worth of work. An impoverished resident of Maltahöhe Village collects dry s<cks for cooking or selling to make an income.

The abandoned tennis courts in the background are testament to what once must have been a vibrant and thriving community.

Apart from climate change, wealth inequality is one of the most pressing challenges of our times. While structural solutions are mostly in the hands of regulators and public authorities - multi-stakeholders’ initiatives, networks and projects that facilitate exchange and social mobility have a key role to play. Only a systemic approach can bring results and drive change.

The RuralRevive Initiative - an open system providing a platform and framework for multiple stakeholder involvement – adresses these challenges through a range of initiatives and interventions, as well as through a number of envisaged public-private-partnerships.

need for more balance

Maltahöhe is a small village in the Hardap Region of Southern Namibia, located about 350km away from Windhoek, and about 110 km west of Mariental. The village is home to some 6000 inhabitants, who are mainly remnants of communal and commercial farmers of small livestock, and a few horticulture allotments. The area is a former economic hub, a result of the karakul sheep industry which dwindled over the years. Today, there are only a handful of retail outlets left. On the side-lines, are often scenes of young men and women desperately looking for job opportunities. In addition, an ever increasing number of street children beg for some money from tourists.

Contrary to the current socio-economic status, Maltahöhe offers an array of opportunities which could potentially be used to uplift the marginalized community. The village is currently used as a pathway to tourism destinations such as Sossusvlei , NamibRand Nature Reserve and ProNamib Nature Reserve – strategically making it a potential distribution hub and shipment point for products and services. Additional advantages for the regional tourism industry include financial savings and reduced carbon footprints as a result of shorter delivery routes.

Maltahöhe: Where the tar road ends and the gravel road begins

Beginnings Four adjoining properties were purchased by the Wolwedans Foundation over the last years and form the core of the project. Renovations, alterations and additions to meet the first three building blocks (Laundry | Horticulture | The Barn – Trading Hub ) commenced in January 2021 and Phase 1 will be completed mid-2024. This will also be the future Horticulture Campus with training and dorm facilities. As the project grows in scope, more properties will be added and see a transformation from delapidated old infrastructures to beautifully renovated buildings, adding charm.

THE LAUNDRY The first enterprise activity within the RuralRevive

WHERE THE WHEELS START TO MOVE

framework entails the setting up of a large-scale laundry operation in Maltahöhe, aiming to cater for the wider tourism sector inthe Daweb Constituency, esp the desert-based lodges.

Laundries consume between 25-33% of fresh water at any lodging establishment, and with most lodges becoming increasingly conscious about the lowering water tables a laundry service should naturally attract attention and support.

Once the DesertRunner transport solution is in place, providing regular transport between Maltahöhe and the lodges in the desert, the laundry should see a surge in activity.

The state-of-the-art laundry facility incorporates a 50kW solar installation ensuring energy independence, and a waste-water recycling plant will enhancesustainable operations in the arid environment.

As part of ourcommitment to local empowerment and job creation, the laundry facility will ultimately create eight full-time jobs and many free-lance positions.

To date six ladies have received training in eco-friendly laundry practices, equipping them with new skills.

Left top: The drying shed ready to receive linen, mainly comprising bulky bedding and towels.

Above: the ironing room has twelve workstations.

The Village Laundry comprises of a receiving bay, washing room, drying shed (to keep laundry out of the scorching sun), an ironing room with 12 ironing boards and a big laundry store which is still to be built.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT Maltahöhe presents a unique situation. The entire village is built on solid rock (see right), resulting in the absence of a sewerage system. Consequently, each property is equipped with a drain/pit that requires periodic pumping when full. However, this process is occasionally hindered by breakdowns in the pump truck, leading to sewage overflow and water wastage in the streets.

This presented a significant challenge for the laundry facility, which consumes a substantial amount of water and would fill up the pit daily. The solution was to implement a water recycling system that could process all laundry water to a level suitable for reuse in vegetable and fruit farming. As a result, the laundry now operates a cutting-edge water recycling plant, allowing for the sustainable reuse of 90% of the consumed water.

As for black water from toilets and kitchen sinks, it is managed using the traditional Maltahöhe ‘method’. This involves transporting and pumping it into a settling reservoir located outside the town. This process holds great potential for reuse, particularly in enhancing the greenery of the village, including trees, shrubs, and lawns. Currently, this valuable resource is simply evaporating into the arid Namibian atmosphere.

Topography of Maltahöhe. Minimal top soil which poses a challenge for horticulture.

This inhospitable earth – at face value – will not deter RuralRevive from growing food.

HORTICULTURE RuralRevive is actively establishing greenhouses and

This is the Seedling Nursery where vegetable produc<on and hence supply is controlled to an extent to avoid shortages or surpluses.

irrigationsystems in Maltahöhe and surrounding areas to produce organic staple vegetables for the local market and tourism industry. As part of the commitment to community development, a survey was conducted and it identified challenges such as limited water access, extreme weather conditions, lack of skills, and financial constraints.

In response to the community's desire for an open farmers market and vocational education for youth, RuralRevive has setup a demonstration training site featuring main greenhouses, organic materials collection, and a permaculture garden.

A training session was conducted in partnership with GIZFarming for Resilience (F4R) and schools will be engaged to incorporate horticulture into the curriculum. Additionally, the project organized an intensive horticulture training program (The Organic Gardening Christmas Training), fostering self-sufficiency, enhancing food security, and creating entrepreneurial opportunities. As a testament to the success of the program, three trainees have secured full employment. At Wolwedans, RuralRevive Campus,and GIZ’s Farming for Resilience Programme. .

Cabbage

Spinach

Salad

THE BARN – CENTRAL TRADING HUB Commerce and enterprise development is at the heart of RuralRevive

To start, a former fashion shop on the project premises will serve as ‘The Barn’ (see bottom left).

It is anticipated that it will be outgrown in no time, so the Wolwedans Foundation acquired the old PEP Store building down the road which will be perfectly suited to house a range of RuralRevive related initiatives, including a coffee shop and an arts and craft center.

The Barn in Maltahöhe will serve as a distribution hub

These open markets will one day run on a weekly basis.

for local farmers and small producers, offering a range

They will not only support local businesses and artisans,

of fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, processed

and showcase the vibrant culture of Maltahöhe, but also

meat products, eggs, and cheese. RuralRevive is

highlight the importance of supporting local farmers and

organizing regular open markets connecting local

fostering community bonds. Looking ahead, thereare

producers with consumers, thus laying the groundwork

plans to explore the possibility of establishing a coffee

for establishing a robust supply chain for The Barn and a

shopat The Barn, creating a central meeting space for

lively trading hub.

producers and tourists, and to foster networking.

Composting & Soil The foundation of Horticulture

In Maltahöhe, suitable soil is scarce due to the town

The latter (biomass) will primarily consist of chipped

being built on solid rock. This necessitates the use of

Prosopis, hay (sourced from Mariental) and sugar cane,

elevated planter boxes for all gardening acOviOes at the

along with readily available sheep dung from numerous

RuralRevive premises and beyond.

sheep kraals in the vicinity.

These boxes will require a filling of high-quality soil, which

The process of composting can take place at any of the

serves as the foundaOon for successful horOculture.

existing sheep kraals, of which there are thousands in the

Hence the ongoing challenge lies in producing sufficient

area. Bulk compost is created through a thorough mixing

compost from biomass.

process and the results are nothing but astounding.

BASIL

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Route 1

DesertRunner TRANSPORT SERVICE

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NamibRand with MONoptions & FRI back two

Connecting the dots

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crucial role in the success of RuralRevive.

DesertRunner, a scheduled transport solution, will ensure

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the reliable delivery and collection of laundry,fresh

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the greater Sossusvlei andNamibRand regions plays a

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MON & FRI

A scheduled transport service to the tourism enterprises in

1 - Wikebi 2 - Hammerstein 3 - Ul:mate 4 1- Li<eLodges Sossus & Tourism 5 – Desert Homestead 1 - Wikebi 6 – Ondili Lodges (2) 2 - Hammerstein 7 -3Hoodia - Ul:mate 8 –4 Sesriem (5 lodges) - Li<e Sossus 9 –5 Geluk (3 lodges) – Desert Homestead 106-–Mirage Ondili Lodges (2) 117--&Hoodia Beyond SDL Sesriem (5 lodges) 128––KwessieDunes Geluk (3 lodges) 139––Wolwedans - Mirage 1410- NaDeet 11 - & Beyond SDL 15 – Tokokkie & Hideout 12 – KwessieDunes 1613– Aandster/Toulouse – Wolwedans 1714- Duwisib - NaDeet 1815& –19Tokokkie – open/future & Hideout 2016- Büllspoort – Aandster/Toulouse - Duwisib 2117- Ababis & 19 – open/future 2218- Solitaire - Büllspoort 2320– Namib-NaukluV - Ababis 2421– Moon Mountain 22 - Solitaire 25 – Namib Desert Gondwana 23 – Namib-NaukluV 26 - Weltevrede 24 – Moon Mountain 2725– Elegant – NamibHomestead Desert Gondwana 2826– other - Weltevrede

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Hammerstein NamibRand with Route 1 two options back Hammerstein

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produce, people and recyclable waste, effectively

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connecting all the necessary dots.

To ensure cost-effectiveness and maximize participation,

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the transport service operates under the RuralRevive

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Project umbrella as a non-profit service.

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The development of routes and the inclusion of a

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maximum number of tourism establishments in the

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27 – Elegant Homestead 28 – other

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Greater-Sossusvlei Namib Landscape (GSNL) further

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Lodges & Tourism

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solidifies the implementation.

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6 Ranger Sta3ons & Farms 1 6 1 – ZarisRanger Sta3ons & Farms 1 2 –1 Neuhof – Zaris 3 –2 La Mo<e – Neuhof 4 –3 Keerweder – La Mo<e (NamibRand) 5 –4 Wereledend – Keerweder (NamibRand) – Wereledend 6 –5 Nubib (ProNamib) – Nubib (ProNamib) 7 –6 Eldorado – Eldorado 8 –7 Nuwerus – Nuwerus 9 -8Lisbon 9 - Lisbon

RuralRevive emphasizes the importance of providing

Passenger transport will be a driving force of the

This will naturally lead to a thriving board and lodging

good value for money, as this will be the primary

DesertRunner. The future also foresees a daily bus

sector, ranging from basic dorms to B&B’s and more

motivator to bring stakeholders on board. To ensure the

service linking Maltahöhe with Mariental and Windhoek,

sophisticated accommodations. It will also lead to more

success of RuralRevive it is essential that the initiative is

taking the route much further than Maltahöhe. Lodge

eateries and entertainment joints (think revival of public

an economic win/win.

staff heading on to Mariental and beyond will need

pool), and all these independent small enterprises will

sleep-over options in Maltahöhe.

naturally create new jobs.

RECYCLING & SOLID WASTE To achieve a significant reducOon in landfill and landscape polluOon in Maltahöhe and the surrounding region, RuralRevive promotes an integrated and collecOve approach to waste management, considering waste as a valuable resource.

The project has iniOated the process of senng up a community-driven waste management system through engagements with Rent-A-Drum. This iniOaOve aims to promote environmental sustainability by implemenOng the "Trash-to-Treasure" concept, which supports reusing and repurposing waste while providing market access plaporms for these products. By creaOng livelihood opportuniOes and acOvely keeping waste out of the waste stream, RuralRevive ensures a cleaner and healthier living environment in Maltahöhe and the Daweb ConsOtuency.

Leq top: Lots of trash. A common sight in Maltahöhe Borom: This resource is just dumped in the landfil area Right: Assessing the dump site and looking for soluOons to a major rural and global challenge

What a mess!

Recyclable solid waste from the lodges and farms in the Daweb Constituency will be collected weekly and transported to the Maltahöhe Recycling Facility with the DesertRunner. Here waste is sorted, compressed, crushed, repurposed and prepared for transport to recycling plants in South Africa.

Permanent jobs are created. In addition, small enterprising waste pickers will be compensated for every load of recyclables picked from the streets in Maltahöhe and delivered at the facility. In no time, Maltahöhe will be one of the cleanest settlements in Namibia and inspire other villages to follow suit.

Future Recycling Facility?

Solid Waste

The dormant RCC Property would be the perfect infrastructure.

Negotiations to rent this ‘gem’ are at an advanced stage.

Recycling Plant

EconoMix EconoMix serves as a transformative, entry-level business management program within RuralRevive, offering participants essential business skills to pursue their career aspirations and transform them into financially viable livelihoods.

The programcovers various aspects, including financial intelligence, costing,procurement, HR and admin, negotiation skills, and marketing.Through EconoMix, participants are equipped with the necessary tools to take charge of their own destiny and become empowered entrepreneurs.

The program has alreadyconducted a workshop engaging five women and two men in collaborative learning and discussions, providing them with start-up capital and ongoing guidance to support their entrepreneurial journey. Participants are expected to present their business results by November 2023, fostering accountability and creating opportunities for reinvestment. Mentorship opportunities have also been identified to furthersupport emerging entrepreneurs and encourage collaboration within the RuralRevive community.

Enterprise Development The driving force of RuralRevive

Future enterprise diversification and development opportunities will be explored as they arise. As RuralRevive takes hold and builds momentum, additional stakeholders will see merit in coming on board. New and complementary business ventures will naturally evolve in the region, ranging from diversified services and value-add production to manufacturing and retail. Eventually,the vision is for Maltahöhe to become a thriving business hub again, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods.

Identity & Values

Replicability

The RuralRevive Initiative is: • Rooted • Connected • Bold & Original • Rewarding • Organic • Changing • Empowering • Inclusive • Transparent • Sustainable

RuralRevive is intended as a concept blueprint for transparent and replicable economic revitalisation of communities across the country and perhaps even the continent. This is achieved by identifying entry level opportunities that can serve as the foundation for future economic development, building capacity in relevant, key areas, and ensuring that there is a linkage with existing market demand.

RuralRevive wants to demonstrate that through simple and accessible activities, change can begin, lives Where the tar road ends and the gravel road begins

Craqing a unique RuralRevive idenOty was inspired by

marking an analogy with the crossroads we face as

ten values which shape the vision for the future of this

humanity and the choices we must make to ensure that

iniOaOve and community. The logo takes its cue from a

people and planet thrive in harmony. At the borom of

naOonal road sign indicaOng a change of road surface,

the crossroad is a straight line, indicaOng conOnuaOon

which occurs at Maltahöhe “where the tar road ends,

with a ‘business as usual’ approach, whereas the top of

and the gravel road begins”. It was a finng point of

the crossroads depicts a completely balanced and

departure for the development of a logo to symbolise a

interconnected system. AddiOonally, this mimics the

‘change of status’. The prominent T-juncOon as you pass

disOncOon between a linear vs. a circular economy, with

The nine dots represent the nine fields of RuralRevive: • Enterprise Development – the driving force of RR • Horticulture • Transport & Logistics • Waste Management & Recycling • Resources (Energy & Water) • Education & Skills Development • Community well-being & Nutrition • Culture & Heritage • Media Ecology & Advocacy The five coloured dots represent the Wolwedans 5C’s

through Maltahöhe found its way into the logo too,

the larer being a necessary paradigm shiq.

sustainability framework – Commerce | Conservation | Community | Culture | Consciousness.

improve, wealth inequality can be reduced, and improved well-being sustained.

Welcome on board…

Now entering it’s third year, and with the hardware,

... to building a more resilient, sustainable, inclusive and equitable tourism and conservation economy.

basically in place, the time seems right to let RuralRevive

The Wolwedans FoundaOon, with the financial assistance

packages like the laundry, waste management, Desert

of two key donors has got something special going- for

Runner transport solution and importantly “The Trading

the long run. Evidently, however- this mission can’t be

Hub” will be vested in this non-profit, acting as a conduit

tackled alone. More players – both drivers, facilitators

to make things happen or keep the wheels spinning, the

and donors- need to come on board to make this holisOc

platform will remain open and continue to invite more

and potenOally game-changing iniOaOve work.

stakeholders and donors to run the course with us. There

Many of the challenges faced, fall into the realm of public

is certainly no lack of opportunity and need, to do what

service and local government. It seems clear though, that

has to be done; for the benefit of people, and planet,

the ‘authoriOes’ are overwhelmed by the apparent

with the inherent clear understanding that this is no quick

stumbling blocks, hence the private sector should accept

fix, and a long journey lies ahead. “It always seems

responsibility and put shoulder to the wheel to ensue

impossible until it’s done” Nelson Mandela famously said.

public interests like educaOon, healthcare, resources,

So, what are we waiting for?

transport and waste management to name but a few.

Going ahead, the envisioned RuralRevive 21 will manage

Together, in the form of public-private-partnerships and

projects within the nine fields in terms of needs analysis,

through enterprise development, things can be swung

project formulation, fundraising, management, account-

around. The bold and long-term vision of RuralRevive

ability, administration and reporting simultaneously,

heeds the advice from Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote:

giving potential donors who want to share their wealth in

“Let’s determine that a thing can and shall be done, and

a meaningful way the surety that their funds will be put

then we will find a way.”

to good use and every dollar, accounted for.

become an entity unto its own. During 2024 RuralRevive will be registered as an independent Section 21 Company – an association not for gain. Whilst certain project work-

Ask for more donors, big & small (private ans corporate/institutional) Explain RR has handling agent connecting wealth with poverty (explore and formulate – Reini/SHO) Eg. Kindergarten.

COULD THE INHABITANTS OF THIS ‘DWELLING’ BE BETTER OFF ONE DAY, THANKS TO RURALREVIVE?

RuralRevive – Building a Desert-Based Economy is conceptualized, driven and implemented by the Wolwedans Foundation and co-funded by the Namibian Social Security Commission Development Fund and the Wealth Inequality Initiative of the Julius Bäer Foundation. As of 2024 the Capricorn Foundation came on board and more corporate and institutional donors are welcome to engage on the platform.

ication Form

isation:

Main areas of involvement through funding (2022 & 2023)

• • • •

Salary contribution - laundry, horticulture and security Solar system - 50% of equipment and installation Horticulture - Greenhouses, training, gardener Various other costs associated with project

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rate sheets if additional space is required when completing questions.

e following documents to this application:

ject proposal with a clear and detailed budget breakdown for a one-year period tion on what the funding required from the 8Veg^Xdgc ;djcYVi^dc will be used for of which portion of the budget already receive other donor support# Please nors ion’s constitution nual report ancial statements registration as a welfare organisation, if applicable

Main areas of involvement through funding (2021 till end 2023)

• • • • • •

Renovation of project site infrastructure (hardware) The Laundry - washing machines and ironing room equipment Horticulture – Greenhouses and Food Processing facility (infrastructure) Salaries contribution: Contractors, laundry and horticulture during 2021 to 2023 EconoMix programme (Phase 1) Various other costs associated with the project

Covid-19 proved how a pandemic accelerates all existing inequalities, including the ones of wealth and opportunities. It has become more urgent than ever to act and disrupt the wealth disparities for our societies to flourish.

We are convinced that win-win-partnerships linking the underprivileged with the wealthy1 - target both the economic and the social dimension of the problem.

In so doing, such collaborations are valuable for all parties involved as they do not merely generate income, yet, rather foster relationships, opportunities and network.

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Main areas of involvement through funding (as of 2024)

• Hor_culture Training for small holding farmers • Se`ng up five small holding farmers with guarantee produce purchase • Ge`ng recycling plant going (ini_al stages) and waste collec_on ini_a_ves • Customized App for The Barn Trading Post & EconoMix Programme

The RuralRevive Initiative - an open system providing a platform for anybody to come on board – does just that; connecting donors, producers, service providers, small enterpreneurs, educators, health workers and politicians etc.

Main areas of involvement through funding (2020 to date)

• Includes the bulk of the work packages above and driving the process • Securing infrastructure needed to make the project work.

1) In the RuralRevive context ‘Wealth’ is the sprawling tourism industry in the south-western Namib desert, Namibian Big Business, NGO’s and wealth outside Namibia.

THE LAUNDRY

RuralRevive is currently setting up a large-scale laundry operation in Maltahöhe to cater to the wider tourism sector inthe Daweb Constituency. This stateof-the-art laundry facility incorporates a 50-kW solar

facility has already been inaugurated during the RuralRevive One-Year Anniversary. In addition, nine laundry ladies have received training in eco-friendly practices, equipping them with the necessary skills for their roles. This initiative has also resulted in two individuals securing full-time employment, promoting economic empowerment within the community.

WWW.RURALREVIVE.ORG

Daweb | Hardap Region | Namibia

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commitment to local empowerment, the laundry

Building a Desert Based Economy

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operations in the arid environment. As part of our

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wastewater recycling facility to enhancesustainable

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installation, ensuring energy independence, and a