OSHIKUNDE – The newly established Oshikunde Constituency in the Ohangwena Region is fully prepared to administrate itself.
Oshikunde was part of the Epembe Constituency and it was demarcated last year following the Delimitation Commission’s recommendations.
According to Epembe constituency councillor Johannes Nakwafila, who is acting as Oshikunde constituency councillor, Oshikunde is fully prepared to have it is own constituency office.
Nakwafila was speaking during the belated commemoration of Namibia’s 25th independence anniversary at Onghwiyu village in Oshikunde last Saturday.
Due to the vastness of Epembe Constituency, it was recommended that the constituency be divided to allow smooth development of the population in the remote area of the Ohangwena Region.
Nakwafila said developmental projects that were submitted to the line ministries were considered and implemented, among them new schools were established and some existing ones were upgraded, health outreach points were put in place and boreholes were drilled.
Currently, there are nine schools in Oshikunde Constituency, five electrified centres, and 10 boreholes – with five new ones to be drilled.
He, however, said despite these achievements, the constituency faces several challenges.
“Long distances, vastness of the constituency, absence of communication facilities such as network coverage and access to roads are some of the main challenges we are now faced with.”
The constituency is also faced with drought, as it did not receive good rainfall this year.
“Our people will not get anything from their mahangu fields this year, the rain was insufficient. However, we have little food relief for emergency cases that we are distributing to those that are severely affected.
He also said plans are underway to develop the Oshikunde settlement so that it will become a village council.
He further noted that this would be necessary, as it would allow the population to have access to different services at one centre.
It will also cut the distance the residents have to travel to get to government institutions.