Zebaldt Ngaruka
Fuel shortages have become a thing of the past in Epukiro constituency after Omaheke Agric General Dealer’s fuel station at Omaueuozonjanda resumed services on Saturday.
The initial closure of the facility was attributed to environmental regulations and standards, and this forced residents to make the long trip to Gobabis for fuel as the Okovimburu station was under pressure to cater for the entire constituency. Constituency councillor Piniel Pakarae told New Era the re-opening of the fuel station will contribute to the development of Epukiro.
“It will also be beneficial to the neighbouring constituencies,” he said.
Pakarae said mobility is one of the facilitators of development, but transportation requires fuel to drive development. “We have major government programmes that are coming like drought [assistance] and the census which will need fuel to reach all the corners of the constituency. The Okovimburu station will be under tremendous pressure to cater these important programmes,” the councillor added. Pakarae further described Omaueuozonjanda as a corridor for development due to its location.
“This filling station is an enabler of development and a lifesaver. It is a good move from the owners as the government alone cannot bring development and I hope it will continue working in the long run,” the councillor said. Daniel Handura, a resident of Otjozondjima village, which is 10km from the fuel station, was thrilled by the news of the reopening of the facility.
“This is good news, I don’t have to travel long distances to Okovimburu for fuel, and it will be beneficial to our village water point in terms of the cost of buying diesel,” Handura said.
Handura added that neighbouring farms in Okorukambe area will benefit from this station due to its locality than travelling to Gobabis which is very far.
“It will also bring development to our major settlement Omaueuozonjanda and this development will change our livelihood,” he said.
Otjimanangombe traditional councillor Stumbo Tjeja said the fuel station will reduce pressure on the Okovimburu filling station.
“At least we have two filling stations in the constituency now, and sometimes we run out of fuel in the entire Epukiro. Our water pump engines require fuel to operate, and this will be a relief for us,” said Tjeja. Kapikandje Karuuombe from Okomumbonde village, who provides a shuttle service between Epukiro and Gobabis, said: “This will help us a lot as it is in the centre of our constituency, and it is a gateway to and from Gobabis”. On his part, the owner of the Omaheke Agric General Dealer Service Hiskia Ndjavera urged customers to adhere to fuel station rules. “We have upgraded in line with environmental regulations and health standards, and we are requesting our customers to abide by the changes made,” Ndjavera requested.
He advised all motorists to switch off their engines when fuelling.
“This is a strict one and we will not condone such acts as it is against the law. We have cameras there not only for security purposes but for instances of verifications, if need be,” he elaborated. The establishment, which operates from 07h00 to 21h00 Mondays to Sundays, has created employment for four fuel attendants.
“There are plans to operate 24 hours, but for now we will make provision to attend to emergency calls,” added Ndjavera.