Lylie Jeol
SILIKUNGA – The Kavango West Regional Council on Monday embarked on a constituency community outreach programme, meant to address immediate needs and long-term development goals in rural communities.
The programme started in Silikunga village in the Mpungu constituency and will run until 19 June 2025, with visits to all eight constituencies in Kavango West.
Director of development planning, monitoring and evaluation, Egidius Nambara announced the council’s plans to build major water pipelines from Rundu to Mpungu and further down to Mururani, with a canal system also in the works to bring clean water to remote villages.
“To tackle ongoing electricity problems, the council is engaging suppliers to replace outdated infrastructure, especially ageing wooden poles blamed for frequent outages,” said Nambara.
He noted that efforts have been ramped up to improve living conditions in rural areas through multiple targeted initiatives focusing on sanitation, food security, and skills development.
“We are currently intensifying the distribution of toilets across rural villages, with special attention given to areas with high concentrations of elderly populations. This targeted approach recognises the particular needs of vulnerable community members who may face mobility challenges in accessing adequate sanitation facilities,” said Nambara.
In the villages of Ouhomba and Mbome, residents continue to face significant challenges due to the lack of basic infrastructure and services. These include electricity supply – leaving communities without reliable power; health services – limiting access to medical care and communication access – restricting connectivity and information flow.
Silikunga residents highlighted unprofessional attitudes displayed by ministerial staff towards citizens seeking assistance in government offices. This creates additional frustration for community members already struggling to access essential services.
Addressing the gathering at the village, Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to community-driven development, challenging leaders to move beyond promises, to concrete action.
“It’s time for us as leaders to walk the talk. Development must reach every citizen, not just on paper but in reality,” said Sinimbo.
She said as the constituency visits continue across the region, the message remains clear: “No village, no household, and no voice will be left behind in the march toward progress.”
-Nampa