Auleria Wakudumo

Okongo constituency councillor Efraim Shipindo has outlined his vision for expanding community development projects, enhancing infrastructure, and strengthening livelihoods in one of the most remote constituencies in the Ohangwena region.

Shipindo stated that his passion for development began long before he took office, dating back to his time as a nurse at Olukula Clinic, where he launched community driven projects for the San community, people with disabilities, and pensioners. “Now that I am a councillor, we have brought many changes to the constituency, especially in the agricultural sector,” he said. Historically, Okongo was mainly known for its poor road infrastructure, subsistence mahangu farming, and livestock rearing, with limited horticultural activity. 

However, Shipindo said that this is gradually changing as the constituency begins to diversify into vegetable production, including green papers, mushrooms, onions, cabbage and many other vegetables. 

He noted that several dormant projects have been revived, including the Onehanga project, although it is currently progressing slowly due to financial constraints.

Apart from agriculture, the constituency has also prioritised youth empowerment through training initiatives and assistance in accessing government funding. 

Shipindo added that education infrastructure has improved, with new schools constructed, while some existing facilities are undergoing renovations and require further expansion, particularly in classrooms and hostel accommodation.

Access to clean water has also significantly improved, with approximately 80% of households now able to access safe drinking water. “We plan to continue expanding these projects to ensure long-term benefits for our communities,” assured the councillor. 

Developmental progress

Among the projects showing positive progress are the Olukula Green Scheme, Omauni Joinery and Carpentry, Okongo Wildlife initiatives, Ondevahoma Action Kraal, Omauni Green Project and the Onehanga Omipapa Mushroom Project and others. 

Despite these achievements, Shipindo acknowledged that infrastructure development, particularly road upgrades, remains a pressing concern. He singled out the Okongo–Oshiti shaHaihonya road, commonly known as Casablanca, as a key priority due to its strategic importance in linking the Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions.

“We have engaged the Roads Authority and the Ministry of Works and Transport to prioritise the upgrading of this road,” he said.

He added that the route could serve as a border post at Olupale, enhancing cross-border trade with Angola, similar to the Oshikango Border Post.

While overall performance remains promising, the councillor pointed to financial challenges affecting some revived projects, particularly Onehanga.

Climate change has also emerged as a growing threat. Recently, parts of Okongo experienced strong windstorms that destroyed crops and vegetables, leaving many households facing the possibility of a poor harvest this season.

Growth

Reflecting on his journey, the political leader shared that his leadership aspirations were shaped by his upbringing in the village of Onghalangobe. He recalled surviving traumatic events during the liberation struggle, including a 1985 incident in which their home was burned down by South African forces, resulting in the death of a relative. “It is from these experiences that I knew I wanted to become a leader and help liberate my people. I never wanted any Namibian to go through what we experienced during the war,” he said.

A nurse by profession, Shipindo obtained his nursing qualification from the Onandjokwe Health Training Centre in 2007 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Namibia. He led Olukula Clinic until 2020, when he joined the Ohangwena Regional Council.

His political journey includes serving as a branch coordinator in Okongo and as a youth league secretary before being elected as a councillor and later as chairperson of the Ohangwena Regional Council.

The councillor credits his leadership values to his father, a pastor and a headman, who instilled in him discipline, faith and a strong sense of responsibility toward the community. He remains committed to improving livelihoods, expanding development projects and ensuring that no community in Okongo is left behind.

-awakudumo@nepc.com.na