The Oshikoto Regional Council implemented cumulative projects worth N$32.2 million and created 537 jobs for people in the region during the last financial year.
Oshikoto governor Penda Ya Ndakolo revealed this in his State of the Region Address (Sora) last week. The Sora was unpacked under the theme ‘Unity of purpose for a stronger Oshikoto’. It showcased a period of progress and development across various sectors.
These include economic growth projects, infrastructure development and social
welfare, all driven by a commitment towards unity and collective progress in the region.
As a tradition, the governor outlined some of the projects that were carried out in the region to contribute to domestic development and economic growth.
He added that his office is addressing the challenges of a lack of feeder roads, potable water sources, and electricity.
“The Oshikoto Regional Council ensured provision of electrical services, water and sewer reticulation for Onayena Extension One in Onayena settlement and Extension One in Oshivelo settlement, respectively. All projects have been completed and handed over to the respective communities,” Ya Ndakolo said.
Moreover, schools, churches and growth points in Eengodi and Okankolo constituencies have been electrified.
“Additionally, the connection of educational facilities to the grid makes it possible for schools to utilise technology in teaching and learning. The above-stated project is at 20%, and is ongoing,” the regional political head stated. Ya Ndakolo further indicated that on water provision, the Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime water pipeline is being replaced to increase the water supply in the area.
“Close to N$27.5 million is budgeted for the construction of the Ondangwa-Oshali water pipeline, and the site was handed over in May this year. Another N$79.2 million is budgeted for the Oshivelo-Omutsegwonime water supply,” he indicated.
He added that the government continues to drill boreholes in the region, and has recently introduced mini-desalination plants to purify salty borehole water.
Currently, two boreholes at Omeyantalala and Otanaha are operational, while the contracts of others at Onelago, Akazulu, Oshikodailwa and Otatashe village have been awarded.
“The construction of the Okantene Amadhilo-Ekuku pipeline and the Ongenga-Okalumpa pipeline projects in the Onyaanya constituency is also completed,” he said.
The Okakango-Onamvula B pipeline is also completed, while the Oshiyagaya-East pipeline stands at 65%.
“Omuthiya Town Council has
constructed a bulk water storage facility at extensions three and five and has elevated two ground tanks to ensure constant water supply to its residents,” he said.
Meanwhile, the governor said to provide quality healthcare, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is collaborating with its development partners to raise the standard of health in the region.
“The ministry is constructing a new
90-bed capacity maternity ward at Onandjokwe Hospital at a budgeted amount of
N$59 million. The project will contribute to enhancing service delivery, and possibly reduce maternal deaths upon completion,” he stated.
Ya Ndakolo indicated the renovation of the theatre interior of Onandjokwe Hospital has been completed for N$1.8 million.
This, will enhance service delivery, and minimise referrals to Oshakati and Windhoek. “The construction of a water reservoir at Omuthiya Hospital is also completed. The aim is to ease water supply disruption for the hospital when the main NamWater supply is disconnected,” he said.
The governor said the renovations at Omuntele clinic to provide a conducive environment for patients and staff has been completed. The construction of the Omeyantalala Health post, 10 000-litre water tank and fencing off the area in Okankolo
constituency, which is funded by Global
Fund to improve community-based
healthcare services is also completed.
More so, the governor mentioned that the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare aims to enhance social welfare and equality in the region, and recently installed water tanks at Early Childhood Development Centres to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for
children.
“Over 50 ECD centres are now equipped with water tanks and 1 308 children enrolled are benefiting. This is a significant step towards providing better facilities for early childhood education and development,” he said.
The centres that benefitted are in Eengodi, Guinas, Onayena, Okankolo, Oniipa, Olukonda, Onyaanya, Omuntele, Omuthiya and Nehale lya Mpingana constituencies, respectively. –fhamalwa@nepc.com.na