As a hydrology specialist for geographic information systems (GIS), Fillemon Shatipamba is committed to environmental conservation, water security, and community development to protect the country’s water resources from natural harm.
“I envision Namibia free from water scarcity and a nation that is not only abundant in water resources but also embraces sanitation as a fundamental right. Recognising that water is life, my professional commitment aligns with the goal of not just providing access to water but advocating for a Namibia that achieves food self-sufficiency as I continue my journey in public service,” he said.
Born and raised in the vibrant community of Okamanya, nestled within the heart of Okongo in the Ohangwena region, Shatipamba joined the public service in August 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic for job security and the edge to support his siblings and family.
“My dream was to work for myself and during my third year at Unam, I co-founded Namibia Earth Observatory Solutions (NEOS). Due to the economic hardship, projects became hard to find and I was forced to gain more knowledge and to secure financial security, and eventually return to consulting,” Shatipamba reveals.
He, however, said the most fulfilling thing about working for the government is the opportunity to contribute directly to the betterment of society. The government serves as a pivotal force in addressing societal challenges and fostering positive change,” he said.
Shatipamba’s first job was as a park ranger for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism stationed at Okatjikona Environmental Education Centre within the breathtaking landscapes of the Waterberg Plateau Park.
“At Okatjikona, I was immersed in the ethos of public servant leadership, where each day presented an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental education and conservation. It was during this time that I had the privilege of working under the guidance of Frieda Shikongo. Her wealth of experience became a wellspring of knowledge, providing me with invaluable insights into effective management practices and the intricate nuances of conservation efforts,” he narrated.
In 2022, Shatipamba moved to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, where he is currently serving as hydrologist-GIS Specialist.
Working in the Department of Water Affairs, Shatipamba is responsible for hydrological investigation and flood management. He oversees the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin.
As an GIS specialist, Shatipamba assists the department with GIS analysis and map making. His main responsibilities lie with data collection and analysis duties, including compiling and entering various types of data into GIS databases, digitising maps, reviewing data for accuracy and currency, and performing geospatial modeling. “My passion for societal betterment took root during my tenure as one of the Benguela Current Convention Youth Ambassadors, where I had the privilege of contributing to initiatives that bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and community welfare. This experience served as a catalyst for the establishment of the Green Africa Development Sustainable Development Initiative, a platform through which I channel my aspirations for a greener, more sustainable future,” Satipamba revealed.
He is a geographer by profession with an Honours Degree in Geo-Information Science from the University of Namibia, and currently pursuing his master’s in Geo-information Science, delving into the intricacies of woodland regeneration in the Cuvelai Etosha Basin.
He defined his journey within the public service as “a dynamic odyssey, marked by exposure to diverse ecosystems and learning from seasoned mentors. These experiences have not only shaped my understanding of environmental stewardship but have also instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices in the broader context of national development”. Shatipamba further revealed that he was also part of a young professional flagship team that initiated the first Regional Water Symposium in Namibia, through the leadership of Cynthia Ortman and Asteria Mwetulundila.
“My professional odyssey has been fuelled by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of geospatial information and sustainable practices. As I navigate the realms of academia and advocacy, I remain dedicated to weaving a tapestry of positive change that extends beyond boundaries and resonates with the very essence of societal progress,” he said. Although Shatipamba is passionate about his work, there is no job without challenges, and for Shatipamba the major challenge is the misconception of floods amongst rural communities which manifests in vandalism of hydrological gauging stations, which are vital for warning communities downstream on the possible flooding. However, he said, this challenge has since been brainstormed at the first-ever Namibia Regional Water Symposium (NRWS), which took place in Oshana region and banners were lifted for more stakeholder engagement and community education.
He, however, noted that what is most satisfying about his job is the joy of seeing community members screaming and celebrating that they will get water soon after borehole drilling as well as the fulfilment of communities to act before floods reach them. “Through my role, I have the chance to play a meaningful part in initiatives that range from environmental conservation to community development. The sense of purpose derived from knowing that my efforts contribute to the greater good is truly gratifying. Additionally, the diverse range of projects and the collaborative nature of government work provide a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, fostering continuous learning and growth. Overall, the ability to make a tangible impact on the well-being of communities and the nation at large is what I find most rewarding about my work in the government.”
On the misconception that civil servants are largely incompetent and lazy, Shatipamba hints that he is rarely bothered by public perceptions, especially the unpopular ones, that stem from misconceptions rather than an accurate reflection of the dedication and hard work that many individuals, including those in public institutions, bring to their roles.
“Working in a public institution often involves navigating complex systems, stringent regulations, and a commitment to thorough processes, which may sometimes be misconstrued as inefficiency,” he said.
He further argued that public servants are often driven by a strong sense of public duty and work diligently to navigate the intricacies of their roles. “Many are passionate about contributing to the greater good, and their efforts may not always be immediately visible. It’s essential to recognise the challenges inherent in public service, appreciate the dedication of those working within it, and strive for a more nuanced understanding of the contributions made by individuals in public institutions,” he said.
Asked for how long he plans to serve in public service, Shatipamba had this to say, “As of now, my commitment to public service is driven by a genuine passion for the work I do and the positive impact it can have on society. While I may not have a specific timeline in mind, I envision continuing in public service for the foreseeable future. My dedication to environmental conservation, community development, and sustainable practices remains steadfast, and as long as I can contribute meaningfully to these causes within the public service, I plan to continue my service. However, career paths can evolve, and circumstances may change, so I remain open to new opportunities and challenges that align with my values and aspirations,” he said. “I hope to grow both personally and professionally, continually learning and adapting to new challenges and opportunities that come my way within the dynamic landscape of public service,” he concluded.