Auleria Wakudumo
OSHAKATI – Oshana region Governor Hofni Iipinge has called for ethical leadership, accountability and faster service delivery as newly elected regional and local authority councillors begin their term of office.
Speaking at the opening of the year’s consultative meeting with regional and local authority councillors in Oshakati this week, Iipinge described the gathering as a historic first engagement following the councillors’ election and induction into public office.
“Public resources are sacred. Every dollar lost through negligence or misuse is a meal taken from a household, medicine taken from a clinic, or a classroom left incomplete,” Iipinge said.
He stressed that public office should not be viewed as a space for comfort but as a platform for service, adding that professionalism, accountability and effective governance must define the new term.
Iipinge also placed strong emphasis on inclusive development, urging councillors to prioritise women, youth and persons living with disabilities. He highlighted youth unemployment as one of the region’s greatest challenges, noting that young people are not seeking handouts but opportunities to become job creators. “Our youth are asking for empowerment, entrepreneurship and skills development. We must ensure they are equipped to shape their own future,” he said.
The governor pointed out that while Oshana region is rich in natural resources, real transformation can only be achieved through local value addition, agro-processing and community production initiatives.
He further underscored the importance of food security, describing community food production projects as critical shields against poverty and hunger.
To strengthen accountability and community participation, Iipinge announced that monthly engagements with communities would be reinforced to monitor projects, listen to concerns and ensure development reaches all constituencies.
Like his predecessors, Iipinge reiterated that water, sanitation, housing, roads, health services and education remain persistent concerns of citizens. He called for quality education, compassionate healthcare, and infrastructure projects that are completed on time and to standard.
“One of the greatest obstacles to development has been delays in implementation and weak project management,” he stated.
He warned that stalled projects erode public confidence and lead to lost opportunities when funds are returned to the treasury.
Iipinge further urged all spheres of government to work as a single, coordinated system, noting that citizens do not differentiate between mandates but judge government by its results.
He challenged councillors to move beyond legal knowledge to practical leadership, unity of purpose and a results-orientated mindset, saying the success of their term should be measured not by meetings held, but by lives improved.
“We must build a region known for ethical leadership, inclusive growth, empowered youth, food security, strong infrastructure and responsive governance,” Iipinge said.
– awakudumo@nepc.com.na