OSHAKATI - Swapo party vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed disappointment over the halt in the drilling of 11 earth dams due to allegations of corruption.

Nandi-Ndaitwah thus ordered the Oshana regional leadership to contact lawyers immediately and find a way to speed up the process because the earth dams are crucial.

The 2024 presidential hopeful made the remarks during the Swapo party’s final star rally held at Oshakati Independence Stadium on Saturday.

Media reports indicate that the Oshana Regional Council was awarded an amount of N$15 million by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform to construct earth dams in various constituencies to harvest water, which often floods some of the areas.

“Out of 11 earth dams that were to be constructed, it was found that corruption was involved in four of them and were stopped. I want those earth dams to be done by next year February,” stressed Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She stated that the case is being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission and the ministry of finance has also been directed to ensure that funds are made available for the drilling of earth dams in hopes of harvesting water.

“Water is very important for livestock and crop production. That is why the government has taken the decision that in some areas we should put up earth dams that will be able to collect water during the rainy season, and that water can be used by the communities throughout the year for livestock as well as for people to do some gardening,” she explained.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is the incumbent deputy prime minister and minister of international relations and cooperation, said every individual has a role to play in the fight against corruption. 

“Corruption is our common enemy, which if not tackled decisively, may destroy gains Namibia has thus far made, as well as future development prospects,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She further said the concluded Swapo congress passed resolutions on matters of national interest and the party’s elected national leaders.

“What remains now is for us to work hard to realise our dream of a prosperous Namibia. Besides having given the message to the people, I for one through these engagements, have learned a great deal,” she added.

Food and job security

“We must at all times think of how best we can put bread and butter on the tables of Namibians. Our conversations should move towards serious and active economic independence where we actively benefit from the factors of production the very commodity that most lives were lost for; the very commodity we continue to develop this nation for,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

According to her, the main sources of income in Oshana region are salaries and wages followed by subsistence farming, thus proving that agriculture is not only useful for self-reliance as far as food security is concerned but is equally a source of income and employment creation.

Economic development

“We know that we all must do more. We know very well that due to different external factors, our country faces high levels of unemployment, especially among the youth who are the majority of our population, as well as housing shortages. Service delivery in most of our local authorities is simply not good enough,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She said every Swapo cadre needs to address those challenges head-on, stand up to the occasion, and dedicate themselves to delivering better service to the nation.

“We need to enhance our implementation abilities. Beyond the rallies, we must dedicatedly ensure service provision to the people. Let us be frank with each other, we have lost control of numerous local authorities and that is not because the Swapo party is not sound in governance but because we have relegated efficient service delivery,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The youth

Speaking to the Namibian youth, she said: “I know and understand the pain that you carry in your hearts each day due to unemployment and other social challenges… Mine today is to implore you to give Namibia a chance again. Do not believe those who lie to you and tell you there is no space for you in Swapo; you are the custodians of our revolution and an unmatched battalion as we wage war against economic subjugation. Your leadership is today, Namibia needs you now and not tomorrow”.

Nandi-Ndaitwah then invited the youth to join hands with the Swapo party leadership so they take on the mission to establish Namibia as a force to be reckoned with.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na