Zebaldt Ngaruka
The president of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, is concerned about the increase in the incidents of stock theft and water scarcity, specifically in the Omaheke region.
Venaani said this at a recent PDM rally in Gobabis. He said once elected into power, his government will be committed to addressing these issues – not only in Omaheke, but in Namibia at large.
He stated that the rising tide of livestock theft poses a great threat to farmers, who last year lost animals worth N$3.4 million in the Omaheke region alone.
“This is an affront to our agricultural sector and livelihoods of those who depend on it,” Venaani said. Between 2022 and 2023, close to 1 200 cases of livestock theft were reported to the police countrywide.
Omaheke region recorded 225 cases, and Otjozondjupa had the highest number of incidents totalling 451 cases.
This places the two regions on top of the chart of regions with the highest cases of stock theft in the country. The opposition leader, who is also a commercial farmer in the region, stated that the PDM government will be resolutely committed to addressing crime in its all forms.
“We will ensure that our communities can feel safe and secure. We shall enhance the training of police officers to ensure that investigations result in successful convictions,” he said.
Venaani added that his government will decentralise policing powers from national to regional and local authorities.
He emphasised that water scarcity is a critical issue that his government will confront “head-on”. “We are striving for the green revolution. We will invest in sustainable practices that protect our water resources. We will ensure that all citizens have access to clean water,” he said.
Venaani said the PDM regime will build a desalination plant along the coast with a water supply line for Namibia’s interior, and guarantee consistent access to water for farming.
The PDM leader also promised to build earth dams in every village and settlement across the country, as they are currently under water stress.
“We will install water points within 100 metres of settlements, particularly in areas where human-wildlife conflict is likely to occur,” he revealed.
He said this would help and guarantee convenient access to drinkable water, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
He then called on party members not to lose hope despite the existing challenges.
“We must be steadfast in our conviction to usher in change. We stand at a crossroads, presented with a golden opportunity to send a clear message to the Swapo-led government that it is no longer business as usual – come 27 November 2024,” he said.
He added that PDM will no longer stand idle while malfeasance, greed, graft, corruption and maladministration undermine democracy.
“Together, we will be able to forge a new path for Namibia. The PDM stands ready to usher in this new era in our country’s history,” he stated.
He said the party is committed to ensuring that the government serves the people, and not the other way around.
He remarked that PDM possesses the political maturity, dexterity and experience to take over the reign of government.
“We must reject the ruling party in its entirety. We must break the cycle of malfeasance, maladministration and corruption as we build a better Namibia for ourselves and future generations,” he said. He noted that the first step in realising a better Namibia is through voting for PDM on election day, as well as him being voted as the country’s president.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com