After visiting some villages in the Ohangwena region, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said water is a major challenge in Ohangwena and needs to be addressed immediately.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila made these remarks while visiting queen of Oukwanyama Martha Mwadinomho Kristian Nelumbu at Omhedi on Tuesday as part of her tour of the region.

“I have come across many challenges, such as roads, schools and health facilities, and unavailability of water that needs to be addressed as soon as possible,” she added.
She said she is touring the Ohangwena region to address and discuss the challenges faced by inhabitants.

The Oukwanyama Traditional Authority has called on the government to find a solution to the rampant cross-border crimes especially stock theft and the smuggling of fuel.

The Eehnana district senior headman Efraim Weyulu said last month alone, seven cars were stolen from Namibia and taken into Angola and none of them has been recovered so far.

“There is also a need for a water canal to ensure that people start their little gardens in a bid to end robbery along the borders,” he said.

He added that a water canal would contribute to job creation and food security in the country.

Spokesperson of the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority, Andrew Naikaku said Namibia and Angola have been working together ever since, what is so difficult to solve the visible challenges facing the country?

Naikaku said the two governments need to sit and address the matter for the benefit of both countries.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila further responded that the border crime and canal issues were brought to the government’s attention and the matter is being addressed.

She said NamWater has been consulted on the matter and they are working on alternative measures.
“On the issue of fuel smuggling, we are working on how best to tackle the matter,” she said.

She added that Cabinet has given the responsibility to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo.
There is a committee chaired by the minister of finance to find ways on how to address the matter.

Environment and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah also visited the palace later the same afternoon.

All three are canvasing support in the region to become Swapo’s vice president at the party’s congress slated for November.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na