Kalahari constituency councillor Ignatius Kariseb, who was re-elected as chairperson of the Omaheke Regional Council management committee this week, has promised to continue addressing issues of unemployment, poor service delivery and inequality with utmost urgency and impartially.
Kariseb was re-elected as head of the management committee, along with councillors Packy Pakarae of Epukiro and Wenzel Kavaka of Otjombinde, who also retained their seats on the three-member management committee.
They will serve for two-and-a-half years. Wednesday’s elections were presided over by Gobabis principal magistrate Eden Iyambo.
In his acceptance speech, Kariseb said their return to the management committee is an opportunity to consolidate the work already done, but more importantly, an opportunity to ensure that all planned major capital projects are timeously delivered to the region’s inhabitants.
“Together, we shall strive to achieve our shared goals and work towards the betterment of our region. I am committed to promoting sustainable development, fostering collaboration among our members, and addressing the challenges that lie ahead.
“In the coming months and years, I envision a regional council that is proactive, responsive, and accountable to the needs of our constituents. We will focus on implementing innovative strategies that promote economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and provide essential services to our communities,” he said.
“I assure you that I will carry out my duties with utmost commitment, transparency, and integrity. In December 2020, I mentioned that youth unemployment is a serious challenge in the region and country at large. Among the expectations from young voters is employment creation and during the just-ended term of the management committee, we resolved to host an Employment Creation Conference from 6 to 9 June 2023.
“The conference is aimed at bringing together key stakeholders in the employment sector to discuss and explore strategies for creating more job opportunities, particularly for the youth group,” said Kariseb.
As part of redoubling their efforts on that front, Kariseb said council has resolved that at least 40% of employment opportunities in the region be reserved for the youth, and all required legal provisions will be introduced to ensure that this objective is met.
“With all the capital projects being implemented in our region and all the procurement opportunities available from public and private institutions, we will not accept that young people should beg for jobs. We must be the fore runners to ensure that opportunities are created for our young people in the region at all times.
“None of these endeavours could have been or can be achieved without the collective effort and dedication of each member of this council. My door will always be open as in the past, and I welcome your ideas, suggestions, and constructive criticism. Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on our region and leave a legacy that future generations will be proud of,” he said
ohembapu@nepc.com.na
More effort… Kalahari constituency councillor Ignatius Kariseb.
Photo: Contributed