The continued formalisation of informal settlements, electrification of streets and houses as well as improving the general living standards of the town’s inhabitants are some of the top priorities for new Okakarara mayor Samuelline Ngairo.

In recent years, the town of Okakarara has been battling with the mushrooming of shacks, an ageing sewage system, lack of decent housing provision and dwindling economic opportunities for the town’s youth. But despite the mammoth challenges that lie ahead, she remains unfazed, and maintains that the town council’s leadership has the required capacity and necessary leadership qualities to steer the town out of troubled waters.

Ngairo, who serves on the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) ticket, was elected as the new mayor of Okakarara during the town council’s recent elections of officebearers, replacing Nudo’s Asnath Jazukuka. “The continued formalisation of our many informal settlements will remain a huge priority, as we want to bring all those settlements to decent standards. Informal settlements such as Okakango A and others will all soon be restructured so that houses and the demarcation of erven will be done in order. The electrification of those settlements and others will equally be key agendas for myself and the team. We have a clear programme of action, and we must push so that critical projects are implemented in a timely fashion,” she noted.

“As the town’s leadership, we have always worked as a team, and we will continue with our collective approach towards the development of our town. We have a huge responsibility to bring services to our people, and that calls for unity and oneness. We have always said we have to put our political party cards aside and serve the people”, Ngairo emphasised.

This year, the Okakarara Town Council signed a cooperation agreement with the Ongwediva Town Council, which will see the two towns exchanging expertise in the areas of capacity-building, local economic development and tourism.

The agreement also focuses on the development of small and medium enterprises, and strengthening ways of conducting their annual trade and exhibition fairs as well as provide investment opportunities.

- ohembapu@nepc.com.na