Africa-Press – Namibia. During his inaugural address to the Omusati Regional Council, governor Immanuel Shikongo (IS) laid out bold plans to enhance infrastructure, agriculture, youth development and service delivery. In this conversation with New Era journalist Lahja Nashuuta (LN), Shikongo shares his vision, accomplishments and the challenges the region is facing.
LN: Governor, congratulations on your appointment as the fifth governor of Omusati region. What did this moment mean to you?
IS: It was a historic moment, not just for me personally but for the people of Omusati. Being the fifth governor of the region carries a heavy responsibility. I felt proud but also humbled to report to our people on what the government has achieved and what still lies ahead.
I also took the opportunity to thank our President, Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, for trusting me, my predecessor Honourable Erginus Endjala for laying a solid foundation, and our traditional authorities and political leaders for welcoming me warmly. This unity is what drives our region forward.
LN: You mentioned it can’t be “business as usual” in governance. What exactly do you mean by that?
IS: Our President has emphasised that leaders must deliver, not just talk. The Sixth National Development Plan and the Swapo Party’s Manifesto give us a roadmap. But plans alone are not enough; what truly counts is implementation. For Omusati, that means addressing the essentials, roads, water, food security, health and jobs without delay.
LN: On security, what progress and challenges are you seeing?
IS: On the positive side, Omusati remains peaceful and united. The completion of the new police station at Onheleiwa at a cost of N$9.5 million, along with the rehabilitation of Okahao Police Station, are clear achievements.
However, we are not blind to our challenges. The region experienced a 34% increase in crime last year, with 475 cases compared to 354 the year before. Theft, assault, gender-based violence and suicide continue to be serious concerns. We cannot build a prosperous region if our people do not feel safe in their communities.
LN: Agriculture and water infrastructure received a lot of attention in your speech. Can you highlight the key projects?
IS: Agriculture is the backbone of Omusati. In 2024/25, we made real progress. We drilled 14 boreholes, installed nine solar pump systems, rehabilitated eight boreholes, and dug two new earth dams. Projects like the upgrade of Outapi and Olushandja water purification plants, and the rehabilitation of the Calueque-Oshakati canal, are critical for both households and farmers.
At the Etunda Irrigation Scheme, we cultivated 230 hectares and produced 2 004 tonnes of maize valued at N$13 million. The scheme now features 28 small-scale and eight medium-scale farming plots for crop producers.
Additionally, we helped 14 600 farmers, mostly women, with subsidies totalling N$2.7 million. This support covered services like ploughing, better seeds, fertilizers and storage facilities. Food security is more than just a slogan, it’s a top priority for survival.
LN: What roles do institutions like Unam’s Ogongo Campus have in this agricultural effort?
IS: Ogongo Campus plays a significant role as a centre of innovation. Over the past year, it provided more than 4 300 breeding chickens to farmers, expanded its rice fields from three to seven hectares, and harvested 15 tonnes of rice. With support from Debmarine Namibia, the campus installed new irrigation systems. This highlights the importance of partnerships between universities, government and the private sector.
LN: Besides agriculture, you also discussed youth empowerment and sports. What progress has been achieved?
IS: Young people are the heartbeat of Omusati, but they face high unemployment. That is why we supported 51 youth-run projects with equipment and materials to start businesses. Another 52 young people completed six-month courses in computer skills and fashion design. At Outapi’s youth clinic, 680 young people received psychosocial and medical support, while more than 1 500 were trained in life skills to combat HIV and gender-based violence.
Regarding sports, Okahao Town Council invested N$7.6 million in a new stadium, and Ruacana is developing new facilities. We are also refurbishing older sports grounds. Sport is not just recreation; it is an industry that can create jobs and bring pride to our communities.
LN: Education continues to be a key element of development. How is Omusati progressing?
IS: We are making significant progress. In the 2024 national exams, Omusati moved up from eighth to third place at the ordinary level. At the advanced subsidiary level, we kept second place with a 72% pass rate.
This brings pride to our teachers, learners and parents.
The government invested N$30 million in new classroom blocks at schools. Simultaneously, vocational training is expanding. Nakayale VTC now offers new qualifications in logistics, electronics, welding, clothing production and electrical studies. These skills are in demand in the job market.
LN: Floods and climate change disrupted life in Omusati this year. How did this impact the region?
IS: The floods were devastating. Over 33 000 students and 1 200 teachers were impacted, schools shut down, and the entire village of Otjihitua had to be relocated. It served as a reminder of our vulnerability to climate change.
We are grateful for the President’s visit to affected communities, as well as the support of the Prime Minister’s office, the security forces and NGOs.
LN: What progress has been made in housing and infrastructure development?
IS: Each local authority has been actively working. Outapi invested N$6 million in land surveys, water infrastructure, and roadworks. Okahao spent N$47 million, including a wastewater plant and upgraded streets. Ruacana invested N$16.7 million in sewer services and township development. Oshikuku allocated N$17.5 million to services and housing.
At the regional level, we built 133 pit latrines for rural communities, created 48 jobs, and expanded electrification projects in Tsandi, Ogongo and Onesi. Onandjaba, our newest village council, has already received N$18.3 million for infrastructure and will hold its first elections in November 2025.
LN: Health care is another area you touched on. What are the highlights and challenges?
IS: A major highlight was the opening of Oshikulufitu Primary Health Care Clinic, a N$19.4 million project that brings services closer to rural communities. We also upgraded several facilities and acquired equipment worth N$3.8 million.
But malaria still remains a serious concern, with 3 755 confirmed cases and 17 deaths. This year, the ministry will focus on maternal and neonatal health, universal health coverage, and expanding primary healthcare.
LN: What are your main priorities for Omusati moving forward?
IS: We must complete the Outapi sports complex, which has been delayed for too long, and build basic sports facilities in all constituencies. We will expand Nakayale VTC and attract institutions like Unam, NUST and IUM to Omusati.
Agro processing remains a priority. Tomorrow, we will launch a 1 000 cattle feedlot at Etunda, which will generate jobs and add value to our livestock sector. We are also working to upgrade the Etaka-Uuvudhiya canal and expand rainwater harvesting.
Tourism presents an untapped opportunity. Ruacana Waterfall, the Omugulugombashe Shrine, and new Etosha access routes can establish Omusati as a tourism hub.
LN: Any last words?
IS: Above all, my message is clear: development must enhance the lives of our people. We cannot afford delays.
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