With only one day before voters go to the polls, Kamanjab constituency councillor Nikodemus Amutenya says his four months in office have shown that “development can move fast if leaders work directly with the people.”
The councillor, who has served only since July, told New Era that Kamanjab has long been treated “like a village” despite being proclaimed a town in 1958.
He said unemployment remains high, especially after many residents abandoned farms during the 2019 drought. “When you look at Kamanjab today, people are struggling. Many of our youth and middle-aged people are not working,” he said.
He continuedn by saying that “Most people used to work on farms, but the drought pushed them into town. Here, the jobs are very few.”
“We don’t have banks in Kamanjab. Only ATMs. But through negotiations, we managed to bring First National Bank (FNB) services into Okalunga so people can deposit money and use an e-wallet. It is a small step, but it helps the community,” he explained.
He said efforts continue to persuade Standard Bank to reopen its branch after it shut its doors because of low activity and operating costs. The councillor believes two major upcoming projects, a new rehabilitation road project and a newly built special school that starts operations next year, may finally convince the bank to return. “These projects will bring workers who must open accounts. So we still have hope Standard Bank will come back,” he said.
Economic base
If re-elected, he plans to revive the youth garden and expand gardening projects in Oshikondo and Onamatanga, where water is available.
He said a new initiative from the governor to create “fresh hubs” in the region will give farmers a guaranteed market for vegetables.
“Our people can feed themselves and also sell to schools, hostels and police stations. That income helps them pay school fees and support their families,” the four-month councillor indicated. The councillor said he is negotiating with the Environmental Investment Fund’s IREMA programme to help drought-affected farmers rebuild their herds.
“We want to revive our farming style. We are looking at donating 10 to 20 goats per household so people can start again. But we must identify which areas support goats and which areas need crop farming or small feedlots,” said Amutenya.
He said his biggest achievement during the four months was securing a 12-metre container from NamPost, which will be converted into a clinic for Namatanga residents.
“That clinic container will be delivered in the first week of December. People in Onamatanga will no longer travel 100 kilometres to Opuwo for medical help,” he said.
The councillor said his leadership style is hands-on. He personally travelled through all corners of the constituency with doctors, nurses, and agriculture officials.
–ljason@yahoo.com