Africa-Press – Namibia. Omusati region has completed 90% of its developmental projects for the 2024/2025 financial year, focusing on water infrastructure, urban housing, and education.
Omusati regional governor Immanuel Shikongo confirmed this progress in an interview with New Era this week.
For the 2024/2025 financial year, Omusati region received N$332.823 million to execute development projects aimed at growing the regional economy and improving the livelihoods and living standards of its people.
Shikongo pointed out that a significant portion of the budget was invested in water infrastructure, of which N$4.8 million was spent to drill 15 boreholes in Ruacana, Tsandi, Anamulenge and Okahao.
“Of the said boreholes, nine were equipped with solar pump systems costing an additional N$5.5 million. Besides that,
eight boreholes in Ruacana, Okahao and Onesi constituencies were rehabilitated at a cost of N$657 500, in collaboration with the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia. Two earth dams were also excavated in Elim and Etayi constituencies at a cost of N$2.2 million to provide water for human and livestock consumption,” he explained.
Shikongo, however, maintained that although much has been done to address water scarcity in the region, with the growing population and livestock, water remains a challenge in some areas.
“As the population grows and livestock numbers increase, we must prioritise more earth dams and lakes to meet rising demand,” he said.
Agricultural development
In terms of food security and agricultural development, Shikongo revealed that more than 14 600 farmers, the majority of whom are women, received combined subsidies worth N$2.7 million during the reporting period. The assistance covered ploughing services for 5 252 hectares, as well as the distribution of 20 tonnes of improved seeds and 21 tonnes of fertilisers.
“These subsidies were not just about planting seeds,” Shikongo explained. “They also supported weeding services, grain storage facilities, hammer mills, poultry value chain development, and agricultural training for our people.”
Aquaculture is also gaining momentum in the region. According to the governor, 32 small-scale fishermen and women were supplied with 400 000 fingerlings and 26 tonnes of subsidised fish feed to strengthen fish farming activities in the region.
Shikongo further highlighted the completion of the Okahao Veterinary Clinic, which includes office space and staff accommodation, at a cost of N$12.2 million.
“The veterinary clinic is a key investment to safeguard animal health, which in turn sustains farming livelihoods and food security,” he said.
Education and sports development
Shikongo said N$30 million was spent on constructing classroom blocks at 15 schools, including Ombathi Combined School, Oukwandongo Combined School, Ovikange Combined School, and Ondeka Combined School. The project was spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture through August 26 Construction CC.
In terms of sports infrastructure, Okahao Town Council invested N$7.6 million in constructing a sports stadium at Okahao Town. Ruacana Town Council spent N$435 000 on designing a structural plan for sports facilities and installing high-mast lights at the sports field, while renovation efforts for sports facilities at Mwaala Senior Secondary School are also underway.
In terms of healthcare improvements, Shikongo confirmed the targeted construction and inauguration of the Oshikulufitu Primary Health Care Clinic at a cost of N$19.4 million, and the maintenance and renovation of health facilities for N$539,275.20. The procurement of essential medical equipment cost the region N$3.8 million.
Urban land, housing and sanitation
With regard to urban development projects, Shikongo revealed that Outapi Town Council invested N$6 million in land surveying and construction of water infrastructure, while N$1.8 million was used to upgrade gravel roads to bitumen standards.
“Okahao Town Council spent N$47 million on various projects, including electrical networks, water reticulation, gravel roads, and the construction of a water treatment plant, while the construction of a wastewater treatment plant costing N$35 million is also underway,” Shikongo revealed.
In Ruacana, Shikongo said an amount of N$16.7 million was spent on surveying informal settlements, constructing sewer services, and establishing a new township.
Oshikuku Town Council spent N$17.5 million on infrastructure services and constructing low-cost housing under the Decentralised Build Together Programme.
The Omusati Regional Council also constructed 133 pit latrines for rural communities at a cost of N$2.7 million, creating 48 temporary jobs.
In Onandjaba, an area recently proclaimed as a village council, the construction of office facilities was completed at a cost of N$3.7 million.
An additional N$18.3 million was spent on the construction of water, road, and sewer infrastructure in Onandjaba and Onesi settlements.
“We have managed to build 15 low-cost houses under the Decentralised Build Together Programme in Onandjaba, Ogongo and Onesi settlements for N$1.2 million,” he revealed.
Shikongo also revealed that the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, in collaboration with Nored, invested N$3.8 million in the electrification of Extension 12 at Tsandi Village Council. Omufituweelo Primary School and the surrounding localities were also electrified to the tune of N$1.9 million.
“The ministry is also working on the electrification of schools at Nangula, Okatseidhi, Amaupa, Oshitha Shembungu and Ontanda at a cost of N$15 million. The plan for the construction of off-grid electricity at Iitapa, Uutsathima and Onamatanga villages at a cost of N$21.1 million for the 2025/2026 financial year is at an advanced stage.”
While the region has recorded progress in the implementation of development projects, Shikongo revealed that the implementation of some projects is still slow, such as the upgrading of the Epalela-Onesi-Tsandi road, the construction of the Outapi Sport Complex, the construction of the regional offices for the Directorate of Education, and the construction of the informal market at Okalongo settlement.
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