OUTJO – Swapo Party candidate for the Outjo constituency in the upcoming Regional Councils and Local Authorities’ elections, Kleofas Gaingob, said his development plan will focus on agricultural growth, youth empowerment, tourism improvement and stronger municipal services.

Gaingob, who served as mayor of Outjo from 2010 to 2015, told Nampa in an
interview that his main priority is establishing an agricultural hub in Outjo in partnership
with the regional governor and the constituency office.

He said this will create market access for both commercial and small-scale farmers.

“Outjo is surrounded by commercial farms and small farmers who struggle to find a market for their quality products. Along with our regional governor, we plan to build an agricultural hub in town to assist our farmers,” Gaingob said.

He highlighted that during his time as mayor, Outjo experienced significant development. “I changed the face of Outjo when I was mayor. There was only one retail shop back then, but now we have a chain of shops, which happened during my tenure,” he said, adding that he left the council with “proper financial management intact”.

On youth empowerment, Gaingob said he plans to identify young people’s skills and connect them with central government initiatives. 

“One thing is to sensitise and mobilise  the youth, get their skillset and interlink  them with government initiatives,” he noted.

He encouraged young people to start businesses and said his office will provide consultations and advice. He also plans to use existing sports facilities to create recreational and income-generating opportunities.

He added that he will engage institutions that fund small and medium enterprises
to support youth ventures. Gaingob also aims to improve tourism by revamping the under-utilised Outjo Tourism Centre and working with the municipality to enhance sanitation.

“I will work with the Outjo Municipality to improve sanitation around Outjo and ensure a clean tourist gateway town,” he said.

Gaingob promised reliable water services and improved municipal delivery and
said community input will guide his development plans.

“The community will share with me what developments and changes they want. I will not plan in isolation,” he added.

He urged all residents to vote for him regardless of political affiliation, noting: “I will not only be a councillor for Swapo supporters, but for the entire constituency.” 

-Nampa