Marythar Kambinda

KATIMA MULILO - Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has critiqued the Zambezi leadership for the slow pace of development in the region. 

The official opposition leader, among others, pointed out Katima Mulilo’s poor road conditions, saying “If you are from the main centre, it just looks like you are on a farm because of potholes everywhere.”

“The road infrastructure and road network in the city needs urgent attention. If there is no money to tar the roads, buy gravel from wherever you can. Buy it from even other regions, so that there are proper roads in the region,” he said.

He went on to say that the green schemes in the region are disappointing, given that the region has vast land and water. 

Venaani made these remarks on Thursday during the launch of the party’s door-to-door campaign in Zambezi region in preparation for this year’s presidential and national elections.

He stated that even though he was there for the door-to-door campaign to mobilise and energise the campaign, he wants mobilisers to be serious and work with determination as he is a hard-working leader who wants a movement that works hard.

“It does not matter whether one is a member of PDM, Swapo, or any other political party, when you represent the people, you must work for the people. After two months, I want to see a better and improved Katima Mulilo,” he said.

He further implored the government to relook at the issue of stationaries as parents are spending too much on school materials.

“In the olden days, there used to be stationary for school kids,” said Venaani.

He also touched on the University of Namibia’s refusal to admit learners from grade 11, saying such a stance should have been communicated to the parents in advance.

“Schools are promoting grade 11 as if it is the end of school by having matric farewells just for children to end up with no university placements,” he stated.

Venaani further called on all Namibians to ensure that they are registered to vote. 

“Let’s make sure that not just 60% show up to vote but 100 % turn up for voting. We must put pressure on development. Politics without development is nothing,” reasoned Venaani.

* Marythar Kambinda is an information officer of the MICT in the Zambezi region.