SWAKOPMUND – Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses says there is a need for stronger action to improve living conditions in rural communities.
She says development must be felt by ordinary people.
/Goagoses was speaking at the Erongo Region Rural Development Forum workshop that took place on Tuesday in Swakopmund.
The workshop was attended by stakeholders from both the government and private sectors to discuss rural development interventions, reflect on progress made, and discuss opportunities for improved coordination and collaboration, ensuring that development initiatives are aligned to better respond to the needs of communities.
According to /Goagoses, policies must be developed in such a way that it translate into real change in people’s lives. “Behind every policy we discuss, there are real families and communities waiting to experience change,” she said. She added that rural development should address key challenges such as lack of water, unemployment among youth, and limited opportunities for farmers.
The governor then pointed out that despite progress since independence, many rural communities still face poverty and poor access to services.
“Rural communities continue to experience higher levels of poverty and fewer economic opportunities,” she said. She noted that the Rural Development Forum was established to improve coordination, mobilise resources and ensure development programmes are properly implemented.
/Goagoses then called for better monitoring to measure whether these programmes are making a real impact.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Lazarus Kanelombe, said partnerships are important in driving development in local communities.
“Therefore, this is not just another meeting. It is an opportunity to find better ways of working together,” he said. He added that the region is focused on improving service delivery, creating jobs and empowering youth and women.
He then encouraged stakeholders to share ideas and solutions that will benefit communities.
“If we get this right, the impact will be seen in our communities,” he confidently said.