When Namibia gained independence in 1990, much of the Ohangwena Region was predominantly rural, with limited infrastructure and access to essential services. Many communities relied on gravel roads, while healthcare and education facilities were scarce.
More than three decades later, regional leaders say the situation has improved significantly. Schools, clinics, roads and communication networks have expanded, while towns and settlements have developed into centres of administration, trade and service delivery.
Local leaders, including Eenhana Mayor Omri-Onn Kavandje, Helao Nafidi Mayor Darius Shaalukeni, Ongenga constituency Councillor Joseph Nenghwanya and Okongo Village Council Chief Executive Officer Jackson Muma, say the region’s growth reflects sustained government investment and community participation.
According to Nenghwanya, living conditions have improved notably.
“In 1990, the region had a poverty rate of about 65%, with nearly 98% of the population living in rural areas. This has improved significantly over the years,” he said.
He noted that infrastructure development has been central to this progress, with expanded access to schools, clinics, roads, mobile networks and clean water through piped systems and boreholes.
Education levels have also improved, with more people attaining tertiary qualifications and moving into urban areas.
Within Ongenga constituency, public services have expanded to include three clinics, four police stations and three border posts, reflecting the area’s proximity to Angola. Road upgrades, including links between Omafo and Outapi, and Oshakati and Omungwelume, have improved connectivity.
Despite these gains, Nenghwanya stressed that development remains ongoing.
“There has been progress in reducing poverty and improving education and income levels, but more still needs to be done,” he said.
Eenhana: Emerging regional hub
As the regional capital, Eenhana has transformed from a largely undeveloped settlement into a growing urban centre.
“At independence, there were no planned erven, basic services or formal housing,” said Kavandje.
Today, the town has over 9 000 planned erven and more than 4 000 developed properties. Infrastructure such as paved roads, electricity, water systems and communication networks has been expanded, alongside facilities like the multipurpose youth centre and sports fields.
Education opportunities have also grown with the establishment of institutions such as the International University of Management and a vocational training centre. Plans are underway for a Namibia University of Science and Technology campus.
Helao Nafidi: Trade and growth
Helao Nafidi has developed into a key economic centre due to its location along the Namibia–Angola border.
Proclaimed in 2004, the town has expanded from several settlements into a hub for trade and services.
The nearby Oshikango border post handles high volumes of cross-border movement, creating business opportunities. The town also hosts an export processing zone and the annual Helao Nafidi Trade Fair and Expo, which promotes local enterprise.
Housing delivery has improved, with about 500 residential plots serviced and allocated through programmes such as Build Together and the Shack Dwellers Federation.
Okongo: Expanding local economy
In the eastern part of the region, Okongo is steadily growing its infrastructure and local economy.
The village council, established in 2015, has adopted its first strategic plan to guide development over the next five years. Policies on staff development and land allocation have also been introduced to strengthen governance.
Housing remains a priority, with 55 residential plots currently being serviced and 121 allocated to the Shack Dwellers Federation. However, demand remains high, with more than 1 300 residential applications and about 450 business applications on the waiting list.
Efforts to stimulate economic activity include the allocation of business plots for ventures such as accommodation, retail and agro-processing.
The council has also invested in an open market project valued at about N$6 million to provide a safer trading environment for informal traders.
Other developments include the construction of roads, sanitation facilities, a community tailoring centre and water infrastructure such as boreholes and reservoirs. Okongo also promotes local economic activity through events such as the Omaludi Agricultural Festival.
Overall, the Ohangwena Region continues to transition from a largely rural area to a more developed and connected region, although leaders agree that further progress is needed to meet growing demands.
-Newsroom@nepc.com