Africa-Press – Namibia. In a region often overlooked, where resources are scarce and distances vast, one man has proven that determination can triumph over limitation.
Opuwo Rural constituency councillor Westen Muharukua, who entered office through a 2021 by-election, said he has transformed his community with projects that rival those of full-term councillors.
This was all without a dedicated constituency development budget.
From building roads, schools and clinics to bringing electricity and clean water to remote villages, Muharukua has proven that leadership is about action, not excuses.
In an exclusive pre-election interview with New Era, he proudly reflected on his achievements since assuming office in July 2021 following a by-election.
New Era also went on the ground to witness first-hand the deliverables, which were visible to the naked eye.
“I did not just sit. I listed all my challenges and started tackling them one by one, knowing very well the financial constraints in our country,” he said.
He continued: “I only had four years, not five. Yet, I believe I’ve done the work of 15 years”.
He told New Era in a candid interview on Monday this week.
Epupa Constituency is the second-largest in Kunene and one of the most remote. Muharukua, who grew up in the area, knew the challenges well – lack of clean water, poor roads, no network coverage, inadequate schools and clinics, as well as rising youth unemployment.
Yet, instead of seeing those problems as insurmountable, he, alongside his team and community, rolled up their sleeves and went to work.
Water first
In many villages, residents walked up to 15 kilometres just to fetch water, sometimes dirty water unfit for human consumption.
“One of the worst places was Okatumba West. People walked 15 kilometres (km) one way, 30km round trip, for water. Today, they have a clean, fresh borehole. They don’t walk anymore. It’s like water from a bottle,” Muharukua said.
Similar boreholes were drilled and fully installed in villages such as Okaru, Otjahorovara, Otjiwetjovakayendu, Kaoko-Otavi and Orwangeji West – all places that were predominantly without access to clean water.
“When you solve water, you give people life and dignity,” he stated.
Healthcare
To improve health services, the councillor initiated the construction of a clinic in a flood-prone area, where a pregnant woman and her child tragically drowned trying to cross a river to reach health services.
He narrated how the tragic story in Okondjombo shook him into urgent action.
“That story broke my heart. She was carrying a baby on her back and another in her womb. She died trying to get help.” Muharukua narrated. In response, he began building a new clinic in the area, using a small portion of the N$250 000 money the constituency received. “The clinic is now 80% complete. Once done, people won’t need to risk their lives for healthcare,” he stated.
In Otjondeka village, where three key government institutions – a clinic, school and police station – had no electricity, Muharukua went directly to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. “The nurse was treating patients at night using her cellphone torch,” he recalled. “That was unacceptable,” he said. His lobbying paid off.
Today, all three institutions are electrified under the rural electrification programme.
Education
On education, Muharukua did not wait for government funds.
One of his most emotional victories came in Okatumba West, where 115 children aged 7-15 were out of school because the terrain was too mountainous and the nearest schools were too far.
The councillor said he funded the construction of a small corrugated-iron classroom.
“We are now going to inaugurate the school. I took money from my own pocket, built a small corrugated iron classroom, and said, ‘let’s start a school here’,” he said.
His effort caught the attention of German donors from Kaoko Company, who later funded the construction of proper classrooms and accommodation for teachers.
“As I’m speaking, the school is 100% done. Teachers are already appointed. We’re going to inaugurate the school soon. It was a heavy mountain to climb, and I climbed it,” he said.
Other schools and kindergartens were built across the constituency with the help of Kaoko and the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC), which also established a community garden next to the Ochinanoa school.
Food security
Where some saw community conflict, Muharukua saw potential.
A large garden project under the correctional services near Ondjete and Okaoko-Otavi had been shelved due to disputes between traditional leaders.
“I kept going back and forth, talking to chiefs and talking to people. Eventually, I resolved the conflict,” he said.
The garden, worth N$1.5 million, is now fully built and employs over 30 locals.
“It will feed the community and support prisoners as well. That’s impact,” Muharukua stated.
Speaking to the senior traditional councillor of the Humu Royal House at Okaoko-Otavi, Salom Humu expressed gratitude to the government of Namibia for bringing such a prestigious project to the community.
“Although, we have not yet tasted the fruits of the garden in the area, we are grateful that at least 30 people from our community have been employed. We are cognisant that at least we will enjoy the fruits and vegetables that will be grown in the garden very soon, as we heard that the massive ploughing is expected to kick off in September,” said Humu after being approached by New Era on the reaction to the project.
Roads
Another challenge in the constituency is that residents had to walk dozens of kilometres to make a phone call.
“People were walking 50 kilometres just to find a signal,” he said.
“Now, with the help of MTC, we have network towers in Otjiuu, Orupembe and Ondije. People can now call from their homes,” Humu said.
On the road network, he lobbied the Ministry of Works and the Roads Authority to approve upgrades for two major stretches – a 145-kilometre section to Orupembe and a road linking the main highway to his constituency office.
“All assessments are done. Work will begin soon,” he said.
Students
In addition, access to education has been high on Muharukua’s agenda.
“We’ve helped students with the small CDF. Some have now completed their studies in nursing and education. That’s how you build a future,” he said.
As the November elections draw closer, Muharukua has no regrets.
“I’m not boasting, but I’m very proud of what I have done. If I lose, my only regret will be not getting a second term to complete what I’ve already started,” he stated.
He also spoke out in favour of reforming constituency funding to allow more flexibility. “We need dedicated budgets for councillors.
I’ve raised this with the Association of Regional Councils and in Parliament. The government must realise that development needs tools,” he said.
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