By: Patemoshela Lukolo
The new Oshikoto governor, Sacky Kathindi, has stated that as part of the interventions to solve water woes in the region, 100 new boreholes are being drilled.
Oshikoto Region has been one of the worst-affected in terms of access to clean water for years.
The governor, in his maiden State of the Region Address under the theme ‘Purposeful Action Towards a People-Driven Development’ acknowledged the issue of access to clean water in his region.
“Although water scarcity remains a pressing concern, large-scale interventions, including the drilling of 100 new boreholes and the King Kauluma-Omutsegonime water supply project, are expected to significantly improve access for thousands of residents,” he stated.
Speaking to the plans in place for the development of the region, Kathindi noted that in the area of land management, nine farms had been assessed and demarcated for resettlement, 1,328 customary land rights were registered, with 22 occupational land rights issued for educational institutions. Furthermore, revenue from communal and resettlement leases exceeded N$165,000.
He encouraged community members to embrace small-scale enterprises, stressing that these ventures played a vital role in job creation. To support this, he assured residents that government assistance would be available for promising start-ups.
In line with efforts to improve livelihoods, income-generating projects worth a combined value of N$100,000 were launched in the Eengodi, Guinas, and Omuthiya constituencies, thereby creating jobs and empowering women. At the same time, early childhood development subsidies reached 370 educators, benefitting 5,800 children, while awareness campaigns on gender-based violence reached more than 2,700 people. Moreover, 57,933 individuals benefitted from social grants.
Additionally, the Oshivelo Open Market reached 65% completion, while major road upgrades are planned under a 10-year master plan. Through coordinated projects, rural electrification and water supply initiatives were also rolled out across several constituencies, creating more than 250 temporary jobs.
In the health sector, the Onandjokwe Hospital’s paediatric wing and clinic renovations have been completed, while the 90-bed maternity ward nears completion. Education continues to be a top priority, with Oshikoto having ranked first nationally in the national Grade 11 results for the 2024 academic year. On that, the governor confirmed that plans are underway to relocate the Education Directorate from Ondangwa to Omuthiya.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Looking ahead, the governor outlined projects such as the construction of an abattoir and feedlot in Omuthiya to strengthen the livestock value chain, and the rollout of new network towers in rural constituencies to bridge the digital divide. Also on the agenda for future developments, Kathindi noted the lack of a magistrate’s court in Omuthiya and the urgent need for a shelter for at-risk children.
He commended traditional authorities for their collaborative efforts in land allocation, dispute resolution, and community mobilisation, describing them as “active partners in building the Namibia we all deserve.”
Ultimately, the governor reaffirmed that making siginificant progress in all sectors of the region will remain top priority. “The state of our region is one of potential, purpose, and progress,” he declared, adding that the region is “building not only roads and schools, but futures and dignity for all.”
