By Ester Paulus TSUMEB Oshikoto’s Chief Regional Officer Tshikarepo Andjamba, is set to make a shift from his usual way of conducting business in his region. Andjamba is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on all ministries and stakeholders in his region from the 23rd of this month. According to him, the purpose of these visits will be to discuss and explain the essence of such institutions and seek for further support from them on motions being carried out throughout the region. “The aim of such visits is to express gratitude for working jointly with all ministries and stakeholders in our region and to humbly request them to continue supporting activities of the region.” The chief officer, who felt the need to encourage certain stakeholders that do not participate in developmental activities of the region, said the visits would offer a platform for discussions with such institutions in their own environments so that they are comfortable enough to give their reasons for not participating in the activities of the region. “To highlight the importance for them to participate in regional issues, we feel it is essential to go and talk to them in their own environment so that they are at ease to give reasons why they exclude themselves from such vital activities.” Andjamba described the strategy as part of the change in management style of the Oshikoto Regional Council. The Council is embarking upon the formulation of NDPÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 3, he said, stressing the need for the support of all stakeholders in the region because the region is soon to finalize its strategic plan which will be embraced in the document of NDPÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 3. Andjamba said that last year certain ministries had indicated that capital projects would kick off in the region, but they had failed to do so; hence, this visit to find out why those projects were not brought to fruition. The chief regional officer said he was glad to overcome several challenges facing the region last year, such as insufficient funds for development purposes and inadequate administration of water to settlement areas. Although the region continues to put together efforts in alleviating poverty, he stressed, unemployment and HIV/AIDS remain on the increase, more especially in young people. He therefore pledged to intensify the regional awareness programmes with regard to HIV/AIDS. Andjamba noted that one of the highlights for the region was that the Oshikoto Regional Council was able to obtain the tender that will be responsible for constructing its head office at Omuthiya, which is about to become the capital of Oshikoto. The chief officer urged all stakeholders in the region to make funds available for constructing their offices at Omuthiya.