New Era’s journalist Festus Hamalwa (FH) recently sat with the CEO of Okongo Village Council, Jackson Muma (JM), to discuss the ongoing projects in the town.
FH: Briefly tell us about yourself and when you joined the Okongo Village Council.
JM: I have 15 years of professional experience in leadership, corporate governance and strategic implementation, coupled with an enduring passion for local government and development. I had the opportunity to execute tangible development projects related to land delivery in towns such as Oshakati and Ongwediva before I joined the Namibia Qualifications Authority in 2023. As the Chief Executive Officer for the Okongo Village Council, I have the opportunity to provide visionary leadership, ensure strong governance, effective stakeholder engagement, and strategic oversight across all functions of the institution.
In addition to my professional experience, I hold a master of business administration (MBA), a bachelor’s degree in media studies and political studies.
FH: Elaborate on the ongoing projects within the town.
JM: After my appointment in September 2025, we had to look at our institution and finalised our first ever strategic plan since the village council’s inception in 2015. The strategic plan serves as the roadmap for the institution for the next five years. Our vision, targets and deliverables are articulated there. I’m excited to note that the Strategic Plan was approved by council in November 2025 and we are planning to launch it in March 2026.
Secondly, because of our belief in human resources development, which is also an aspiration of the NDP6, in October 2025, the council has approved the Staff Development Policy, which will assist in developing and upgrading skills for our team to excel. In November 2025, Council further approved a Land Allocation Policy, an instrument that is key to land delivery in our town.
Council has also identified land for an Open Park Gym which is ready for development.
With regards to housing and land delivery, council is busy servicing 55 plots at Block 103 with sewer, water, electricity and roads. The funds were allocated by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to the tune of N$ 5.6 million.
From August 2025 to December 2026, council have allocated 121 plots at a semi serviced area (New Reception Area) to Shack Dwellers Federation. Houses are being constructed and 90% are completed.
During the same period, the council has allocated 10 business plots to unique business ventures in our urban centre, including bed and breakfasts, fish outlets, agro-processing, and more.
Currently, we have applications for residential plots on the waiting list at 1302 while 450 businesses are also waiting for allocation. Council has noted with great concern and shall act appropriately and decisively to ensure that undeveloped plots allocated as far back as 10 years are developed within less than 8 months from now. Undeveloped plots are depriving the town of its deserved beautiful outlook as well as rates and taxes, which are essential for sustainable development.
Okongo noted the dangers traders face. The Open Market and Street Trading Committee led participatory development. The council developed an open market, passing phases one and two at N$6 million. This year, N$1 million will be used to build stalls and relocate traders. Meanwhile, traders have been advised to stop trading near roads and pavements for safety and health reasons.
FH: What are the success stories of the Okongo Village Council?
JM: Okongo has managed to plan, survey and register five extensions. The council has facilitated the construction of 90 Build Together Houses. Constructed access roads in Extension 1. Electrified Okongo Proper Extension 1, 2 and the New Reception Area. Allocated land to a modern school (Holy Cross Private School). Facilitated the expansion of town boundaries, which is waiting for final approval. Created 30 urban agricultural plots, which are ready for development. Constructed two public toilets at the New Reception Area. Constructed a community tailoring centre. Drilled own water source boreholes and reservoirs. Constructed a water treatment plant. Hosting of Omaludi Agricultural Festival (An economic booster for the town).
FH: What are the plans for Okongo village over the next five years?
JM: Our plan is to position Okongo as an investment centre, guided by its unspoiled natural character. We aim to focus more on developing agriculture as our main pillar, with particular emphasis on the value chain.
The council has plans to build a water filtration plant to improve water supply in the town.
To avoid water supply disruptions caused by power outages, the council will install solar panels on all boreholes.
We will develop a master plan to guide infrastructure development over the next thirty years.
A modern waste management site is in the works.
In five years, we intend to have 10 extensions with diverse land uses.
We also plan to build parks and leisure areas.
Tourism is expected to be central to our economic growth, especially as the Oshiti ShaHaihonya road will pass through our town. This is supported by the conservancy, located just a few kilometres from Okongo.
FH: What challenges are faced by the Okongo Village Council as well as the residents?
JM: Our major challenge is limited funds, which inhibit the execution of developmental aspirations. Traders are selling close to the road. Unserviced land, though planned and registered. Limited workforce to realise our plans. Non-payment of municipal services.
FH: Please tell us about the plans to construct a sports stadium in Okongo and why it is very important.
JM: Council has allocated the land for a sports field, planned to be constructed soon under the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. This is a new chapter for Okongo, where young and old will have a platform to unleash their sporting talents. The sports field is expected to host various sports codes, such as soccer, netball, volleyball, tennis, hockey, and many others.
The land allocated measures 7 hectares and is valued at approximately N$700 000. Part of our responsibility is to join hands with the central government to realise government priorities. This land is donated. We believe sport contributes to mental health and to the local economy in so many ways. During events, our SMEs will be able to sell their products faster. Various accommodation facilities will be supported by athletes and visitors, and the same goes for other service sectors. In this way, sport tourism is expected to scale up in Okongo.
FH: Your final remarks?
JM: Our development trajectory will be characterised by participatory democracy (which is a community centric approach). Development will be directed by the people, for the people, with creativity and innovation being embraced from all directions. There’s no time to procrastinate on infrastructure development and service delivery. The administration and political leadership of Okongo have vowed to work closely in the best interests of its inhabitants.
This financial year, we serviced the New Reception Area with water.
At New Reception Area and Extension 1, we constructed gravel roads with the money from Road Fund Administration, N$1 million for the 1.4km.
We are busy servicing Block 103 (55 erven) with sewer, water, electricity, and roads, funded by N$5.6 million from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.