OPUWO – The Kamanjab Village Council has urged potential investors to apply for land for residential and commercial use to help the council combat deprivation and generate jobs.

Council CEO Bianca Nguaiko made the call in a recent interview with Nampa, saying to improve the integration of village planning and  management, the council and potential investors must demonstrate a strong commitment to reforming policies and changing the village’s image.

“Such investments will not only reduce poverty, but will also boost the quantity and calibre of infrastructure spending, and fortify the institutions necessary to maintain and grow Kamanjab’s competitiveness,” she stated.

Nguaiko added that the village council’s financial affairs have been impacted by the high unemployment rate. This means most people are unable to pay their rates and taxes.

“Most people in Kamanjab do not work, and it is always difficult for them to pay their water, rates and taxes’ accounts. Because the town is small, we only have small businesses and therefore, I would like to call for more investors,” she urged.

The CEO went on to say that the council owns a sizeable amount of land, and that investors are encouraged to buy land and invest in the community. Nguaiko further said the lack of funding has led to the council being unable to provide its services to all areas of the community.

“Although we are managing to pull through with the little we have, I must add that with insufficient funds, it is difficult to deliver services to all parts of the village equally,” she continued.

Despite the limited funding, the council was able to build roads with the help of the Road Fund Administration, connecting the town’s informal settlement to other areas.

The village council also acquired two vehicles which are used by the building and water departments, and drilled boreholes at the beginning of 2024 to supply water directly to its residents instead of relying entirely on NamWater, which it owes N$3.5 million.

The village council likewise owes various suppliers and contractors an amount of N$14 million. The CEO said the council intends to build its solar power plant to become self-sufficient and generate revenue.  

-Nampa