KEETMANSHOOP - /Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority chief Johannes Isaack has called for unity amongst all Nama traditional authorities, and urged them to focus on the plight of their people.

Isaack said during the first meeting of the/Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority at Berseba recently that many traditional authorities in the region are embroiled in leadership fights, which further divides the community, and has negative consequences.

“I am of the opinion that the small differences amongst us are insignificant in comparison to the challenges of poverty, hunger and unemployment our people are facing. It is time for us as leaders to prioritise the interests of our people, put our differences aside, and work towards the betterment of the livelihoods of our people,” he stressed.

The chief said the /Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority, in conjunction with other traditional authorities, need to engage the government on the benefits inhabitants of the region can garner from economic activities.

Isaack further observed that despite the economic challenges of poverty, hunger and unemployment within the community, the Neckartal Dam has been laying idle for the past three years. Government should thus prioritise the construction of the irrigation scheme at the dam.

He continued that the clan is endowed with land and water which can be used to benefit the community by embarking on gardening projects within their respective areas.

“We can put an end to the socio-economic plight of our community by unleashing the energy trapped in our sons and daughters, as our clan is endowed with resources and capacity to provide for the needs of our people,” he added.

Isaack said communities are plagued by incidents of alcohol and drug abuse, theft, gender-based violence and other social ills. Such acts are perpetrated by people close to or known by the community, but they are being kept under wraps.

“Community courts are envisaged to start operating soon, and will hopefully assist in dealing with these ills. Be that as it may, we need to work closely with law- enforcement agencies to reduce the occurrences and associated negative impacts on our communities,” he urged. -Nampa