Africa-Press – Namibia. Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has promised to address years of stalled development in Kongola settlement, following an emotional outcry from residents and traditional leaders over “broken promises and neglect.”
The minister’s visit on Sunday came days after the Mashi Traditional Authority, led by Chief Joseph Tembwe Mayuni, submitted a memorandum accusing the Zambezi Regional Council of corruption, mismanagement and failure to deliver on projects since Kongola was proclaimed a settlement in 2008. “The question is, what happened? Why is Kongola still a bush when Bukalo is not a bush?” Sankwasa asked the crowd. “When we point fingers at others, we must remember that three fingers are pointing back at us. The structures of government exist to serve the people — but have they done so?”
Chief Mayuni said the people of Kongola had been left behind despite their contribution to Namibia’s liberation struggle, saying, “We feel cheated and abandoned.”
“Kongola is a graveyard of heroes who fought for this country, yet our people live without basic services — no bank, no serviced land, no hospital or water,” he said.
The memorandum, dated 19 October 2025, outlines 17 years of “unfulfilled promises” and demands that the government account for development funds meant for the settlement. It cites Articles 1(2) and 108(c) of the Constitution, calling for fair management of regional revenue and transparency.
Kongola, home to more than 12 000 people, remains one of the poorest constituencies in the Zambezi region, this despite its strategic location linking Namibia to Zambia, Angola and Botswana.
Missing millions and failed projects
At the centre of the community’s anger is the alleged embezzlement of N$4.7 million earmarked for Kongola’s development — a case now before the courts.
Residents also cited failed ventures such as the Manyeha Crocodile Farm, reportedly funded with N$30 million, and the Mukope Green Scheme, a youth project said to have received N$500 000 from the Chinese Embassy.
“The crocodile farm was marked as completed on paper, yet it stands idle and overgrown. The Mukope project vanished into thin air — no vegetables, no structures, nothing,” said local activist Geoffrey Tukuhupwele of the Kongola Economic Empowerment Group.
Frustrated residents have called for a vote of no confidence in the regional council and demanded the suspension of all officials implicated in corruption.
Health and public services have also collapsed, according to the community’s report. Clinics at Choi and Sesheke, meant to be upgraded as far back as 2007, remain unfinished. The area has no resident doctor, no ambulance, and no mortuary, forcing families to transport bodies 200km to Katima Mulilo. “People are dying at clinic gates because there’s no proper care,” said a local nurse. “Even ambulances meant for Kongola are stationed in Katima.” Residents further decried the lack of clean water and electricity despite visible infrastructure passing through their villages. “We can see the pipes, but we can’t drink the water,” one villager lamented.
In a communication dated 10 October 2025, Sankwasa confirmed receiving complaints from the Kayuwo Village Development Committee and ordered an emergency consultative meeting with local leaders and the regional council. “We must find out what went wrong, where the money went, and why Kongola has been left behind,” Sankwasa said, pledging to report back to residents once the investigation concludes.
Community demands
The memorandum calls for the return of all development funds allocated to Kongola. They also want the establishment of a village council and the appointment of an independent administrator.
Completion of stalled projects and fair distribution of services, and a resident doctor and district court to improve access to healthcare and justice.
“The days of empty promises must end,” they said.
Chief Mayuni urged the government to act swiftly and restore the community’s trust.
“We are not asking for charity,” he said. “We are asking for justice, fairness and dignity. Kongola has waited too long.” Sankwasa promised accountability and transparency, declaring that “the days of empty promises must end.”
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