Africa-Press – Namibia.
Gobabis, fondly referred to as ‘the jewel of the east’, has been steadily transforming itself into a thriving economic and social hub in eastern Namibia.
The municipality has anchored its vision on four pillars: infrastructure development, environmental and social upliftment, tourism promotion and stimulating local economic growth.
Strategically located along the Trans-Kalahari Highway and just 110 kilometres from Botswana, the town is not only a vital transport link but also a promising destination for investment.
This week, New Era’s Lahja Nashuuta (LN) spoke to the municipality’s spokesperson, Frederick Ueitele (FU), about the town’s vision, its major achievements since independence, the benefits of decentralisation and the pressing challenges it faces.
LN: What is the overarching vision of the Municipality of Gobabis, and how does it align with the needs of the residents?
FU: Our vision is clear: to make Gobabis the undisputed town of choice – the true jewel of eastern Namibia. This is not just a slogan. It is a guiding principle that shapes our work.
We prioritise infrastructure and development by ensuring our roads, electricity, water systems, and public spaces meet the needs of a growing population.
We also ensure environmental and social development by creating a clean, safe and inclusive town for all residents.
Capacity building and good governance are put first by equipping our staff and community leaders with the skills and systems they need to serve the public effectively.
In addition, tourism and local economic growth are ensured by positioning Gobabis as both a gateway and a destination.
Importantly, these priorities were not drawn up in isolation. When we developed our strategic plan, we consulted widely with residents, businesses and community stakeholders. Their feedback directly shaped our vision and objectives, ensuring that our plans respond to real needs rather than assumptions.
LN: Since Namibia adopted the decentralisation policy, what tangible benefits has Gobabis experienced?
FU: The decentralisation policy brought real change, especially through the Decentralised Build Together Programme (DBTP). Since 1998, this initiative has enabled the construction of over 150 houses in Gobabis. Many beneficiaries have already paid off their loans and now hold title deeds, a milestone in breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence.
One of the most transformative interventions was the Single Quarters Transformation Programme. This relocated 140 households from cramped, colonial-era compounds and hostels into formal, serviced plots of more than 300 square metres. These plots were equipped with electricity and ablution facilities, allowing residents to build permanent homes with materials they could afford at the time. Over the years, many of these modest beginnings have evolved into solid brick houses – symbols of stability and dignity.
In Kannan A, the DBTP’s Informal Settlement Upgrading segment brought underground water and electricity infrastructure to residents who had previously lived without basic services. This is a long-term investment that continues to benefit the community.
We also saw social benefits. The Epako old-age home received an extension worth N$400 000, improving living conditions for the elderly.
In total, DBTP-related projects in Gobabis have been valued at more than N$18 million. These figures reflect more than just numbers. They represent improved lives.
LN: Looking back since independence, what would you describe as the town’s most significant milestones?
FU: The post-independence era has been transformative. In the past, suburbs such as Epako and Nossobville were underdeveloped and reserved for non-white residents under apartheid policies. After independence, these areas were electrified and their roads upgraded to interlocks and tar surfaces, making them safer and more accessible.
We also established new suburbs in Epako. Our long-standing twinning agreement with the Municipality of Smallingerland in the Netherlands, which lasted over 20 years, brought not only infrastructure funding but also skills exchange and technical support. Through this partnership, we built houses, upgraded roads and improved public facilities.
Another proud achievement is the Legare Sports Complex, which today stands as a community asset. It features two grass soccer pitches with security fencing, an open-stand pavilion, a shaded pavilion, fenced netball courts, a volleyball court and open space earmarked for future facilities, such as rugby pitches, a basketball court and even an amphitheatre. This facility is more than just a sports venue. It is a social hub that encourages youth engagement and community events.
In partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and the Namibia Housing Action Group, we formalised informal settlements under the Flexible Land Tenure Act. This resulted in over 1 200 residents receiving legal ownership of erven and houses – a profound shift from insecure, informal living arrangements. The process continues in Kannan C, where land surveying is underway.
Housing delivery has also been boosted through partnerships with private developers. By making land available for residential projects, we have eased the town’s housing backlog, giving more families the security of a permanent home.
At present, our council is working to ring-fence the electrical network to improve efficiency and reduce losses. We also plan to replace ageing water pipes, which frequently burst and disrupt the supply. These may sound like basic services – but in reality, they are the backbone of a functional and liveable town.
LN: What are the major obstacles to carrying out developmental projects?
FU: Without a doubt, our biggest obstacle is the non-payment of municipal accounts. The majority of residents are in arrears. This is our main source of revenue. Without adequate income, even well-planned projects stall.
Another challenge is balancing immediate service delivery needs with long-term development goals. While residents understandably expect quick fixes, infrastructure upgrades, housing projects and urban planning all require time, money and careful execution.
However, despite these challenges, Gobabis has a strategic advantage that few towns can match. We are located on the Trans-Kalahari Highway, a major transport corridor linking Namibia to Botswana, South Africa and the rest of the Southern African Development Community region. We are just 110 kilometres from the Botswana border, making us an ideal location for dry ports, logistics hubs and export terminals serving goods that move through the Walvis Bay Corridor to regional and international markets.
LN: What message would you like to send to potential investors?
FU: My message is simple: Gobabis is open for business. If you are interested in agriculture, logistics, manufacturing or any other sector, you will find an investor-friendly environment here.
We have the land, the location and the will to grow. Our leadership is committed to creating an enabling environment for investment. We see partnerships, both public and private, as essential to unlocking Gobabis’s full potential.
The ‘jewel of the east’ is not just a slogan but a promise. We are determined to make that promise a reality.
Source: neweralive
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