Zebaldt Ngaruka 

OMATAKO – Erwin Tjirunguu Katjiteo, the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) candidate for Omatako constituency in the upcoming regional councils’ election, said his party will work closely with central government to bring changes in the constituency. 

Katjiteo shared with New Era that the Regional Council is a statutory body that presides over development and administration of the region at the constituency level. 

“On top of that, we have central government that decides on national project through National Development Plan Six (NDP6). Therefore, I will be in close contact with all these structures to make things happen,” he said.

The Nudo candidate added that without central and regional government collaboration there is nothing one can do on his or her own. 

“In fact, I am promising nothing instead I am taking all my constituent’s issues such as problems and complaints into workable projects for implementation,” Katjiteo said.

However, the 39-year-old candidate said that there are low hanging fruits within the constituency that consists of 80% commercial and 20% communal which is Ovitoto reserve area. In commercial areas, Katjiteo said he will look at harmonisation of labour relationships between employers and employees at different farms. He stated that the issues of payment and other benefits as prescribed by legal instruments can be facilitated in consultation with Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, plus labour unions. 

“I will also engage the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in advocating for the establishment of conservancy at Uitkoms farms so that we can have concessions and start to have a trophy hunter to benefit our community,” he promised. 

Katjiteo who is the current chairperson of Otjozondu Primary School said he will engage education ministry to bring a secondary school level at Uitkoms settlement.

This, according to him, will enable our learners to finish school here in the Uitkoms settlement rather than suffering in other areas.

“Most of our learners drop out of schools when they leave for secondary education elsewhere. If all the grades are taught right here it will help them complete their secondary level and proceed to tertiary education,” he said.

The Nudo candidate added there is a need for vocational training center at Ovitoto to enable the learners to complete their TVET qualification within their constituency.

Katjiteo further said the Omatako constituency is blessed with mining activities and will consult relevant institutions and investors to come do exploration and mining.

He also said the Okahandja-Otjozondu and Okondjatu will receive his attention and he will engage the relevant ministry in that regard.  The mountainous roads of Ovitoto, coupled with a lot of flowing rivers will be among the priorities of Katjiteo if he wins the top political position in Omatako constituency. “There is a need to have a low volume seal road, interlocking at most high hills and culverts where rivers are flowing. The rural electrification is also be among my priorities,” said Katjiteo.  The Nudo candidate also wish to enlarge the small overpopulated and overgrazed area of Ovitoto if he wins the elections. “I will bring this issue to the agriculture ministry to buy additional farms to bring breathing space for both human and livestock,” he said.

These, Katjiteo said will form part of restorative justice of bringing back the ancestral land that was taken from the residents who lost land during the liberation struggle. Katjiteo also promised to tackle the issue of generational farm workers and to solve the Okozongominja and Okamuru farms. The Nudo candidate also said that he will prioritise agriculture in the constituency and will work with all types of farmers in this aspect. Katjiteo is currently the Omatako constituency Nudo coordinator, the portfolio he holds since 2015. His other leadership positions include, organiser of Hochfeld Development Committee at Enguruvau Sport Association, organiser of Dark Boys Sports Club, chairperson of Otjozondu annual tournament, and Uitkoms Elders Day founder .– zngaruka@yahoo.com