KAOKO-OTAVI – The Kaoko-Otavi Correctional Facility is like no other. Unlike any other correctional facility, it is designed to improve lives through farming, skills training and rehabilitation.

The facility is billed a rehabilitation centre for low-risk offenders. However, that arm is not functional yet as the kitchen and other support facilities are yet to be completed.

In the meantime, the facility is Kaoko-Otavi’s lifeline for food security – a total turn-around from conventional correctional facilities. Commissioner John Ndjonduezu, who oversees the facility, located in the Opuwo Rural Constituency of Kunene region, told New Era during a recent visit the facility has been a vital lifeline for the community. 

The initiative has brought hope for the people of Kaoko-Otavi, who are now beginning to see new opportunities with its opening.

Ndjonduezu said the facility enhances living standards of the community in the region where no similar facility existed before.
At the moment the facility employs 30 people from the community – 18 men and 12 women. For many families, this is their first steady source of income.
“This project is not just about infrastructure. It is about people and giving them dignity through work,” said Ndjonduezu.

In addition, the facility offers training opportunities, with a goal to upskill workers so they can manage food production, facility maintenance and rehabilitation programmes with confidence.

Food

To mitigate the region’s food shortages due to a prolonged drought and limited agricultural activity, the facility plans to start large-scale crop production in the fourth quarter of this year once boreholes are drilled and water permits secured.

Even before official farming begins, the team experimented with spinach production, achieving such success that surplus was donated to local schools in Okaoko-Otavi.
This approach reflects the facility’s broader vision – to become a resource for the entire community, not just those directly employed there.
“We want to give offenders a second chance. They go through detailed assessments and structured programmes that help them rethink their choices and reintegrate into society,” Ndjonduezu said.

Rehablitation areas targeted by the centre include substance abuse, lifeskill development and addressing gender-based violence. Each offender is carefully assessed under the Offender Risk Management Projection Strategy, which considers their background, education, community role and family support before deciding how they should be rehabilitated, according to Ndjonduezu.

Challenges

Cattle, often with calves, roam freely near the facility and have damaged fences on three occasions.
“We repaired it ourselves because when we approached the Ministry of Environment, they said it was government-to-government and there was no way they could assist directly.”

Ndjonduezu also added that Okaoko-Otavi is still struggling with mobile telephone coverage despite promises of improvement from service providers.
“This area is not network-friendly. We were promised improvements by March this year, but up to now, nothing has happened,” he said. 

Still, Ndjonduezu remains optimistic that such challenges will not overshadow the facility’s progress.
For Ndjonduezu, the Okaoko-Otavi Recreational Facility is more than just a workplace. It is a space where hope and dignity are being restored. By combining job creation, food security and rehabilitation, the facility is laying a foundation for long-term transformation in Kunene region.
“So far, I am happy. I got to know the community, and the community knows me. With the support of government and local leaders, this facility will continue to grow,” he said.

Since its officially innauguration November last year,  the facility has been steadily expanding its role and now has a staff complement of 50, including 20 permanent workers.

Ndjonduezu said Okaoko-Otavi as a model of how government projects can bring real, tangible benefits to rural communities.

“This is about giving people opportunities and ensuring they do not suffer from food shortages,” he said.
The project was previously stalled due to disputes between traditional leaders.
“I kept going back and forth, talking to chiefs and to the people. Eventually, I resolved the conflict,” said Kunene Rural Councillor Westen Muharukua.

The N$1.5 million garden is now fully operational, employing more than 30 locals.
“It will feed the community and support inmates at the facility as well,” Muharukua stated.

Senior traditional councillor of the Humu Royal House Salom Humu, expressed gratitude to the government.
“Although we have not yet tasted the fruits of the garden, we are grateful that at least 30 people from our community have been employed. We are confident that soon we will enjoy the vegetables, as we heard that massive ploughing is expected to kick off in September,” he said.

ljason@nepc.com.na