Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – Kalahari constituency councillor and member of the National Council (NC), Zedekia Borry Katjiuanjo, says he will carry the expectations of the people of the Omaheke region at heart.
Katjiuanjo made these remarks while delivering his maiden speech in the NC recently, adding that he would serve Omaheke and the entire country without fear or favour.
“I commit myself to representing the Namibian people in the process of reviewing legislation from the National Assembly, and to ensuring that laws work towards effective and efficient service delivery for all, as mandated by the Namibian Constitution,” he said.
The Swapo councillor said the Omaheke region is home to resilient people who continue to face real challenges.
Among the key concerns facing the region, Katjiuanjo highlighted youth unemployment, which stands at 30.3%, according to the regional leadership.
He stressed that young people need skills, land and access to funding for income-generating projects in agriculture, biomass and other sectors to help address unemployment.
“This is a crisis threatening the future of Namibian youth. Initiatives such as the Youth Development Fund have been positively received, but there is room for more initiatives to create a greater impact,” he said.
Katjiuanjo also said he would address the water challenges experienced by farmers in the region, adding that he would advocate for improved water infrastructure and provision.
Agriculture, he said, is another key area requiring urgent attention, particularly the need for improved farmland to ensure sustainable grazing.
Furthermore, Katjiuanjo commended the upgrading of the Buitepos-Tallismanus and Du Plessis-Epukiro roads in the region. However, he noted that Omaheke is a vast region, with some villages situated more than 300 kilometres from central service points.
“These long distances between places continue to delay service delivery, which can be improved through better road infrastructure,” he said, adding that poor road conditions cause extensive vehicle damage and hinder regional development.
The Kalahari constituency councillor further emphasised that he would be vocal about development projects across the region, including in Tsjaka, Eiseb and other areas, to unlock regional growth.
In addition, Katjiuanjo said he would support policies aimed at improving education through infrastructure development and faster recruitment processes.
“I pledge to be a voice that reflects the realities of regional inhabitants in relevant debates, to paint a clear picture and scrutinise legislation to ensure it speaks to the diverse communities I represent,” he added. Katjiuanjo also thanked voters, residents of the Kalahari constituency and the entire Omaheke region for entrusting him with the responsibility of being their voice in the NC.
“Let us make it real for the child in Blouberg who dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and for the farmer in Tsjaka who needs water to feed the nation. One Namibia, one nation – but unity without development is an empty slogan,” Katjiuanjo concluded.