NDIYONA – The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa has said government remains steadfast to further investments in rural infrastructure, including water, roads, schools, and health facilities, to ensure that no Namibian is left behind.

Sankwasa made the remarks in a statement read on his behalf by his advisor, Boniface Mutumba on Monday during the official handover ceremony of the newly installed streetlights along the B8 trunk road (Trans-Caprivi Highway) at Ndiyona settlement in the Kavango East.

“This project is a testament to our government’s commitment to inclusive development and the upliftment of rural communities. Access to reliable and safe infrastructure is vital for the development of our communities. Street lighting may seem an ordinary amenity to some, but to many, it symbolises hope, safety, and opportunity,’’ he said.

Sankwasa said the streetlights are more than fixtures, they are beacons of progress. “By illuminating the Ndiyona settlement and the B8 Trunk Road, we are enhancing safety, as proper lighting reduces the risk of traffic accidents and deters criminal activity. Families, students, and travellers can now move with greater confidence after dusk,’’ he noted.

The installation of the streetlights on the trunk road (B8) at Ndiyona was carried out at a total cost of just over N$ 1.1 million. With this type of development, Sankwasa said, night-time travel becomes safer and more reliable, supporting economic activities, access to healthcare, and social interactions beyond daylight hours.

“This project is firmly aligned with our national development objectives of rural electrification, as expanding access to electricity remains a cornerstone of our commitment to inclusive growth. The project also forms part of integrated infrastructure investment because street lighting complements road infrastructure, drainage systems, and signage to deliver holistic improvements,” he stated.

Meanwhile chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council (KERC), Damian Maghambayi during the event highlighted that development plans of the region are sidelined.

He said KERC commissioned a comprehensive assessment to identify potential growth points within the region for possible upgrading to settlement areas. 

The study examined various factors, including the availability of existing services and infrastructure such as government offices, schools, businesses, agricultural projects, and other facilities that contribute to economic growth and community development.

Based on this detailed assessment, Kayengona, Mukwe, Ndonga, and Muroro were identified and prioritised as potential growth points, with Kayengona ranked as the highest priority.

“Despite these evidence-based findings, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development disapproved all the proposed growth points for Kavango East region, while similar considerations were granted to other regions, such as Oshikoto,’’ he said.

Maghambayi said approving these growth points will not only bring much-needed services closer to the people but will also strengthen the local economy and contribute to sustainable regional development.