WINDHOEK – The country’s longest serving regional governor, Clemens Kashuupulwa, says he is unmoved by those comparing him with long-serving Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
He has been governor for this long because the appointing authority has noticed his hard work, he says.
Kashuupulwa, 66, who has served as Oshana governor since 1998 says he is aware of talks that he has overstayed his welcome, especially after President Hage Geingob reappointed him last Friday.
Kashuupulwa replaced Silvanus Vatuva after having previously served as a regional councillor for Okatana Constituency.
“I am aware of people on Facebook and other platforms saying I am the second Mugabe and complaining, but it is not a problem,” the former PLAN combatant yesterday told New Era.
For his first two six-year terms he was elected by fellow regional councillors to serve as governor.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba also reappointed him to serve as governor in 2010.
“Those who say I overstayed my welcome are welcome to say that because it is their democratic right because we have freedom of speech in this country,” he said.
He accused critics of being selective by overlooking the development that has taken place under his watch.
“No one wants to see deadwood heading a region. I have been working hard and therefore am I serving for so long. It really encourages me to continue serving people, instead of pursuing other things. Even if I was not reappointed, the work I have done with regional councillors would make me proud,” Kashuupulwa said.
He outlined several projects such as the University of Namibia’s northern campus, Oshakati Intermediary Hospital, the High Court, Social Security Commission (SSC)) and the mushrooming shopping centres as some of the major achievements in the region thus far.
“I am very happy with current developments. When we started Oshana was not the way it looks today. We have not only focused on towns but have also extended services such as water, schools and clinics to rural areas,” he said.
He also lauded investors for helping to reduce unemployment in the region.
“Investors have claimed their place in Oshana and it helps us to tackle unemployment, but I must say unemployment in the region is related to a skills shortage,” he said.