The //Kharas region is among several in Namibia where new governors have recently been appointed, replacing those who have completed their terms. In an effort to reflect on her journey of trials and tribulations, New Era’s Steven Klukowski (SK) sat down with former Governor Aletha Frederick (AF) to shed light on a period marked by progress, partnership, and pressing challenges.
SK:What were your greatest achievements during your tenure as //Kharas regional governor?
AF: As the Governor of the //Kharas region, I am proud to reflect on my tenure and highlight the significant achievements and milestones that have marked our journey together. One of my greatest achievements has been the establishment of solid partnerships with various ministries and agencies. By working closely with these entities, we have been able to align regional priorities with national objectives, ensuring that our developmental goals are met effectively. This collaboration has not only facilitated resource allocation but also enhanced service delivery across multiple sectors. Furthermore, I take pride in maintaining my role as the “ear and eye” of the President’s office within our region.
SK: Can you perhaps elaborates more on projects your office implemented during your reign?
AF: With the authority of NamPower, the governor’s office play an important part in selecting and submitting at least three to four localities for consideration regarding power provision each year. Subsequently, I can once again confirm today that the following places were identified and successfully connected through this initiative: Lafrens in the Bethanie area, Vergenoeg in the Blouwes area, Witdrift in the Warmbad area, as well as Vaalgras A, B, C and D, and Kutenhoas at a total estimated cost of N$30 million. Furthermore, the governor’s office has proposed new places, namely: Jakkalsvlei, Jakkalsdraai and Niewput for the fiscal years 2023/24/25, and NamPower confirmed that work is in progress to connect some of those places in 2025/26.
AF: Recently, we inaugurated the Tses to !Gochas section of the trunk road, which connects to the B1 road between Keetmanshoop and Mariental. This significant infrastructure project has been overseen by governors of Hardap and //Kharas, who have played a crucial role in ensuring local engagement throughout its development, which include appointing of local sub-contractors and recruitment of local workforce.
Furthermore, we have successfully lobbied for an additional 60-meter extension of the road—30 km from the !Gochas section to Mariental and another 30 km from the Tses section to Keetmanshoop.
The Aus Services Project:
This project was initiated and represents a strategic initiative aimed at upgrading and expanding infrastructure in Aus Settlement. The primary objective of this project is to improve living conditions and support future growth in the area. To facilitate these improvements, a budget amounting to N$50 million has been allocated for the2024/25 financial year. This funding will be directed towards the construction of essential services, which includes water supply systems, electricity provision, and the development of 361 erven (plots) designated for various purposes. This investment is crucial in ensuring that our infrastructure can meet the demands of an expanding population while fostering economic growth.
In addition, my office has identified the need to assist and lobby for support in restoring the terminated and scaled-down computer and technical training programs at two (2) centers in Keetmanshoop to lessen the impact of COVID 19. The two (2) centers that we identified were the Keetmanshoop Multi-Purpose Youth Resource Center and the Women for Action Development Center (WAD Center).
SK: What were your greatest challenges and setbacks?
AF: The past four years have presented unparalleled challenges. As I took office as governor I was immediately confronted with the realities of a global pandemic, Covid-19, which not only impacted public health, severely disrupted economic activities across all sectors but also causes loss of precious lives. The ramifications of this crisis were felt deeply in our communities, where livelihoods were threatened (with hunger, job losses, etc.) and essential services strained. This abrupt loss of income not only hindered ongoing need to support communities but also curtailed new opportunities for socio-economic growth and stability.
In 2022, the locust outbreak added another layer of complexity, devastating fields and threatening food security in the region. In addition to these natural adversities, we faced also veld fire outbreak in Karasburg East Constituency area that ravaged grazing lands, further diminishing resources available to our farmers. Moreover, specific communities such as Aussenkehr and Komsberg experienced alarming rates of house fire outbreaks among grape and crop farm workers, which highlighted the urgent need for improved housing provision, safety measures and support systems within these vulnerable communities.
SK: What was the level of corroboration between your office and the staff and management of //Kharas regional council?
AF: In evaluating the effectiveness of our collaboration with the Kharas Regional Council’s administrative staff and management, it is essential to highlight that cooperation has been satisfactory from the Office of the Chief Regional Officer (CRO) and its administrative arm.
SK: What was the political atmosphere like between your office and the LPM-dominated regional council?
AF: In my second year, 2021, I faced a profound shift in the political landscape and power dynamics with the inauguration of the LPM-controlled //Kharas Regional Council. This transition emerged as a formidable challenge to effective governance, progress and development. The new regime’s establishment resulted in a significant lack of cooperation between my office and the regional council, hindering our collective efforts to advance the region. This disconnect has undermined collaborative efforts essential for addressing pressing issues within //Kharas region. The new regime’s reluctance to engage constructively has impeded progress on various developmental fronts, creating an environment where initiatives, programs and activities were stalled or abandoned altogether. Furthermore, with the inception of the new political regime within the regional council, there has been a refusal to convene Special Council meetings for the State of the Region Address (Sora). This spirit of sabotage and lack of engagement from council members has hindered our collective ability to communicate effectively with our constituents regarding critical developments and responses to regional challenges.
SK: What was your relationship levels with residents?
AF: Over the past five years, our relationship with residents has evolved significantly. The governor’s office has become a beacon of hope for many during challenging times; however, we often find ourselves constrained by financial limitations and insufficient resources. Despite these challenges, my office remains open and accessible to every citizen seeking support from the Governor’s Office. We are committed to providing guidance, intervening in their challenges, and referring individuals to appropriate offices when necessary to help them find solutions. Through these efforts, we have strived to meet the expectations placed upon us by the community in various ways.
SK: What is your final message?
AF: As my five-year term comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every citizen of //Kharas region for their unwavering support and commitment to our shared vision. Success and progress in the //Kharas region require unity in purpose, teamwork, collaboration, and a genuine appreciation for the positive efforts made in good spirit that aim to benefit everyone.Moving forward, it is imperative that stakeholders foster collaboration between them to navigate challenges effectively and work towards sustainable solutions that will benefit all residents of the region.