By: Loise Shiimi
Chief Executive Officer of the Ondangwa Town Council, Ismael Namgongo, announced allocating N$16 million for the stadium project and set aside N$5 million for electrifying the Omashaka area.
The budget will also make provisions for the construction of a road leading to the stadium under construction, with an estimated budget of N$7.7 million for the 2026/27 financial year.
Namgongo made these announcements during a business engagement event and the launch of the Local Economic Development (LED) and Tourism Strategy on Thursday.
Additional funds include N$1 million for developing a leisure park, N$1 million for constructing a taxi rank at ABC market, and N$14 million for road construction in Onguta and Extension 16.
During the launch, he provided an update on housing projects, stating that over 600 houses have been completed, with more than 100 still in progress in Onguta. He also shared details of a joint initiative between the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development, and the Council, under the supervision and implementation of NORED, which has provided additional funding to ensure complete electrification of the Omahenene area.
“157 households in Omahenene have received electricity access free of charge,” he noted.
While acknowledging the progress being made in developing the town, Namgongo highlighted several challenges. These include insufficient government subsidies for the Council’s development programs, and residents’ reluctance to pay their monthly bills, which has led to significant debt and constrained the Council’s ability to implement its planned activities.
He also mentioned the unwillingness of mahangu field owners to release more land for development, with them citing inadequate compensation offers, illegal land occupation, and local contractors failing to meet expectations and timelines.
Meanwhile, Nicodemus Amadhila, speaking on behalf of Ondangwa Mayor, Paavo Amwele, emphasised that the launch of the LED and Tourism Strategy represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.
“The vision of the Ondangwa Town Council is to transform our town into a hub of industrialisation and sustainable development. To achieve this vision, we have developed several strategic frameworks, including the LED and Tourism Strategy, aimed at stimulating business growth and reinforcing our local economy,” he stated.
Addressing the context of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Amadhila noted that these businesses are crucial for economic growth, innovation, job creation, and social integration. However, they face numerous challenges, including a lack of trading spaces, limited innovation capacities, and difficulties in marketing their products.
He revealed that the new strategy aims to shift the current narrative and promote inclusive economic growth.
“It outlines our response to existing challenges and opportunities while identifying actionable steps to maximise benefits for the people of Ondangwa,” he remarked.
Amadhila urged that both the public and private sectors lead the development charge. He urged the private sector to take the initiative in diversifying, innovating, and building an economy that relies less on government spending.
“We must reduce our dependence on imported goods and begin creating local supply chains that produce what we consume. This strategy calls for bold economic diversification. Remember, the future of Ondangwa is not determined by chance; it is shaped by our collective vision, courage, and commitment,” he stressed.
At the same occasion, Lahja Hipondoka, deputy director at the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, shared the significance of stakeholder engagement.
She stated that effective engagement is crucial for building a stronger, more resilient local economy. It fosters inclusive decision-making, promotes trust and cooperation, leverages diverse perspectives and expertise, and enhances project sustainability and impact.
Hipondoka highlighted that stakeholder engagement not only aids in the town’s growth, but is also essential for successful local economic development.
“By working together, we can create a stronger, more resilient local economy that benefits everyone. There is a significant need to strengthen cooperation among the three levels of government, civil society, and the private business sector,” she remarked.
