Women in the Namakwa region have called on local municipalities to make abandoned buildings available to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

The call was made during the Women’s Parliament address on Friday, August 28, on “Women and the Economy: Tackling Poverty, Unemployment and Limited Opportunities in the Namakwa District.”

Speaking at the event, Cathy Dlodlo said the unused buildings could provide much-needed opportunities for women to start and grow businesses.

Dlodlo warned that the abandoned buildings are currently becoming havens for criminal activity.

She urged municipalities to consider repurposing the buildings to support local economic development while addressing safety concerns in communities.