OTJINENE – Swapo Party candidates for the Otjinene local council say if they win the election they will bring change by implementing programmes that will turn the sleepy eastern village into an attractive investment destination and a gateway to Africa. “Give us the vote, we will bring change,” said Joshua Kahikuata one of the Swapo candidates who promised to bring electricity, water and road infrastructure to the district.
He said that money meant for development purposes was going back to Treasury because programmes were not being implemented, adding that the village was filthy while bars were the order of the day.
“It shows the leadership doesn’t care,” he said.
Kahikuata emphasised the importance of Otjinene, saying the Trans-Kalahari Highway linking Otjinene to Okondjatu and Grootfontein would bring much potential and development.
Among developments envisaged are a technical college worth N$80 million, a shopping complex and modern houses to the tune of N$45 million and a service station worth N$20 million.
He said there were many stores, banks and other businesses ready to invest in Otjinene pending approval from the Omaheke Regional Council.
Another Swapo candidate, Batseba Kamuhenuna, said that they also planned to upgrade the community hall that has been in a dilapidated condition for a long time.
“We want to take the youth out of the bars. Our youths’ future is in jeopardy,” she said.
Ernst Frans, chief of the San community, said if Swapo wins change would definitely come “because Swapo unites everyone”.
He said it is because of Swapo that their children have been able to go to school and that his community would be included in housing and farming projects.
Otjinene residents go to the polls today to elect members of the new village council.