By John Travolter Matali
TSUMEB – The rain failed to dampen the spirits of voters in the Oshikoto Region as they swarmed voter registration points to register for the national elections slated for November this year.
Many prospective voters told New Era that they had very high expectations of their leaders as they stood outside the voter registration tents. The need for employment took pole position as they urged their leaders to look at job creation in the region, as well as decentralization. “We register to vote so we can see changes in our country. As more and more people find themselves at home as a result of retrenchment, unemployment it has now become a major concern for Namibians across all age groups and it is no longer restricted to the youth,” said German Nambuwa. According to Nambuwa the lack of health facilities is another serious concern, including the development of towns in the country. “We need development in all the towns and not just Windhoek, it is no wonder everyone is moving to the big city in search of a good life. More is required in education and turning learners away every year because they failed is another case of sweeping the problem under the carpet. Whereas completing your studies is no longer a sure fire way that you will get a job after getting your degree all these areas need attention from our leaders,” said Nambuwa.
According to Petrus Musenge the Swapo Party government has done a remarkable job since independence, but more is needed since Namibia is a growing nation and there is a lot of work that still needs to be done. “I expect our leaders to alleviate some of the problems we are facing today, such as unemployment, housing and lack of better sanitation,” said Musenge. The need for basic necessities was the biggest concern as Seun Auseb pointed out, saying the provision of employment ranked very high on his list of things the government needs to do. “I am satisfied with the government so far although a few major improvements still need to be implemented,” said Auseb. Many voters in the region had only words of praise for the government and their leaders, although they also maintained that there is still a very long way to go before their leaders can put their feet up. They also expressed satisfaction with what has been accomplished so far by their leaders and government, but said more is needed, a lot more.