Lahja Nashuuta
Former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Member of Parliament, Hidipo Hamata, has promised to transform Helao Nafidi into a model town of development and opportunity if voted into power.
Hamata is a candidate on a PDM ticket for the Helao Nafidi local authority election.
He said his vision and that of PDM for the border town includes 20 kilometres of durable roads, 90% street lighting coverage, and the allocation of 1,000 titled plots for new housing schemes.
“If entrusted with leadership, we will ensure the construction of 500 modern vendor stalls and the creation of at least 1,000 jobs. We will also develop two modern recreational parks and support 100 youth-led innovation projects by 2030,” Hamata pledged.
He further promised to operationalise a NaTIS office, complete the long-delayed Helao Nafidi District Hospital, and introduce annual audits and transparent budgets to restore public trust in governance.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), Helao Nafidi and its surrounding areas—Oshikango, Omafo, Onhuno, Ohangwena and Engela are home to over 50,000 residents, with an annual growth rate exceeding 3%. The town council’s 2025/26 budget of about N$82 million, Hamata said, can bring tangible progress if properly prioritised.
Hamata identified poor drainage, unfinished roads, inadequate street lighting, land disputes, youth unemployment and stalled infrastructure projects such as housing and the hospital as key challenges facing the town. “This manifesto is not a collection of empty promises,” Hamata said. “It is a blueprint for transformation, a practical, realistic, and people-centred plan that places residents at the heart of development,” Hamata claimed. He stressed that Helao Nafidi has the potential to thrive, citing its strategic location, hardworking citizens, youthful population, and untapped business opportunities.
“What we need now is leadership that listens, acts, and delivers. That is what the Popular Democratic Movement stands for,” he added.
Among his flagship proposals is the introduction of a Sub-Acute Care Facility to improve healthcare delivery. Hamata said one of PDM’s key priorities will be to establish partnerships with leading healthcare institutions, including the Paramount Healthcare Centre.
Paramount Healthcare Centre, the first of its kind in Namibia, provides comprehensive and affordable healthcare services ranging from primary care and chronic disease management to rehabilitation and advanced oncology treatments–services not readily available in border towns like Helao Nafidi. The Electoral Commission of Namibia’s Helao Nafidi returning officer, Abed Sheefeni, said six political parties will be contesting for seats in the town council in the upcoming local authority election for Helao Nafidi.
They are National Empowerment Fighting Corruption (NEFC), PDM, Independent Patriots for Change, Swapo and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters. – lnashuuta@nepc.com.na