Paulina Ndalikokule
Stefanus Nambara
NKURENKURU – A total of N$524 450 was pledged during the Nkurenkuru Expo gala dinner on Saturday, hosted by the Nkurenkuru Town Council and attended by more than 350 guests.
ReconNamibia, a subsidiary of the Canada-based oil and gas company ReconAfrica, is this year’s main sponsor, and pledged N$100 000 towards the expo.
This year marks the third consecutive year that the company is sponsoring the expo. ReconNamibia’s assistant operations manager Muundu Kasera emphasised that their partnership with the Nkurenkuru Town Council is one they hold in high regard.
He said this year’s gala dinner was a true testament to the spirit of collaboration and unity, reflecting the collective commitment to the growth and development of Nkurenkuru and the region at large.
In addition, the Namibia Ports Authority’s Social Investment Fund contributed N$527 000 for the completion of the expo hall at Nkurenkuru.
Former president and patron of the expo Hifikepunye Pohamba said in a statement read on his behalf by his special advisor, Fransis !Goaseb, the entire leadership of the town council has done well so far in developing the town. However, more still needs to be done in providing services to residents.
Pohamba noted that he did the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nkurenkuru District Hospital in 2014, but no construction has commenced yet.
“I really want this project to be completed, and request you all to work together in ensuring its full implementation,” he added.
In February this year, New Era reported that the Ministry of Health was mobilising resources for the construction of the long-awaited district hospital during the 2025/2026 to 2028/2029 financial years.
The hospital is included in the ministry’s broader health system plan, which will be executed in phases over a five-year period.
Pohamba requested the leadership to continue informing him about the development, and what is happening to projects that are under construction in Nkurenkuru.
The mayor of the town, Jafet Muti, in his welcoming remarks said this year’s expo promises to be one of the most ambitious.
He highlighted that the council envisions an event that not only showcases local talent and businesses, but also attracts investments from across the country and beyond. “However, an event of this magnitude requires strong collaboration, strategic partnerships and financial support. That is why tonight’s gala dinner is so crucial,” Muti said.
The council hosted the gala dinner to raise funds for the 6th annual Nkurenkuru Expo, scheduled to run from 27 June to 6 July 2025.
*Paulina Ndalikokule and Stefanus Nambara are information officers at MICT Kavango West.