Helvy Shaanika
Oshikuku
Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Peya Mushelenga, officially inaugurated two major projects and a strategic
plan for Oshikuku Town Council last week.
During an event that was held at Oshikuku, Mushelenga officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new township in Oshikuku, launched a 2018-2022 Strategic Plan and officially opened the Oshikuku Fire and Rescue Station.
Mushelenga said the Swapo Party had made promises to the electorate during various elections, and thus, the three projects demonstrate the party’s commitment to keeping such promises.
He said the government, through its various arms, delivers its services to people as guided by the constitution, the laws of the country and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.
“These are the promises that we made during the election campaign and today’s ceremony demonstrates that we have kept our promises,” he said.
Furthermore, Mushelenga said the government has noted with a concern, the prevalence of fire incidences in and around towns nationwide. This has resulted in the loss of lives and the extensive destruction to property.
It is for that reason that a Cabinet decision was made to equip every local authority with a functional fire and rescue station.
Oshikuku has now joined other towns such as Ongwediva, Okahao, Lüderitz, Windhoek, Outapi, Oshakati and many others who have benefited from this initiative.
“As the implementing agency of the aforesaid decision, the ministry has engaged the relevant developmental partners
to implement the required infrastructure and provide technical support. The ministry availed N$3 million for the construction of this fire station,” said Mushelenga.
While launching the strategic plan, Mushelenga urged the councillors to read and fully understand the document, question, and work together with the administrator to ensure that what is in the guiding document is fully implemented.
“The Oshikuku Town Council cannot afford to operate and use public funds without having a guiding tool against which it will be judged. Therefore, through this document, we will be able to drive council to excellence. This document is, therefore, your guiding tool and it is your responsibility as local elected leaders to ensure that its content is implemented fully in the next five years in line with government and party policies and legislation.
“It does not help to craft good ideas and leave them to collect dust on shelves,” Mushelenga said.
The town also witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony for the establishment of Extension 7 where 260 houses will be constructed. Apart from houses, a shopping mall – with banking facilities – will also be constructed.
Extension 7 will be developed in a joint venture between Oshikuku Town Council and two local developers, Council and Easy United JV Paralo Investment as part of the private-public partnership.
The Mayor of the Town, Mockoma Mungandjera, said the new developments in his town are an indication that Oshikuku Town Council is hard at work bringing much-needed services to its residents.
“I would like to urge you all, as our development partners and stakeholders, especially those of you who we have twinning agreements with, not to tire to assist us when we come knocking at your doors,” said Mungandjera.