Ongwediva
Water scarcity is forcing some communities in Oshikoto Region to travel up to 15 km on a daily basis in search of water, Governor Henok Kankoshi said in his state of the region address (SORA) on Friday.
The region urgently plans to address water scarcity, and reduce unemployment, construct roads and electrify schools within the next four years. Kankoshi said the region through the line ministry needs serious interventions to save the lives of both humans and livestock.
Although the governor did not reveal what percentage of the region is suffering from thirst, he pointed out that Okankolo, Eengodi and Nehale lya Mpingana constituencies are severely affected.
To date, the governor emphasised, 11 water pipelines were rehabilitated and 41 water pipelines installed, while four water pipelines are expected to be rehabilitated.
“Six boreholes were rehabilitated, 11 drilled, 16 boreholes were installed and the remaining nine will be installed soon,” said Kankoshi.
The governor said the region is also tasked with reducing the unemployment rate among the youth, which currently stands at 40 percent. He said the region has budgeted N$1 367 686 in projects aimed at creating employment opportunities for the youth. In addition, the governor said about 4 399 youths received training in basic business management and entrepreneurship, HIV/AIDS awareness and civic and community service training. Apart from the training, an amount of N$30 000 was disbursed to the youth in the form of loans to youths in business schemes.
The jam-packed Omuthiya Church was informed that the regional council has approved the construction of ten gravel roads and the tarring of three gravel roads during the Harambee Prosperity Plan.
The governor appealed to the constituency councillors of Eengodi, Nehale lya Mpingana and Okankolo to prioritize electrification of schools with Grade 10.
He said there was a dire need to electrify the schools in order to maintain the region’s position in the Grade 10 national exams.
The region is said to have retained first position for the past eight years. Kankoshi further appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize education. He said the region has done its part through the establishment of at least five schools in five constituencies. Attendees of the SORA expressed their dissatisfaction, saying they were hopeful of a more detailed report through statistics, especially on education and health.
One attendee urged that there be a question and answer session in future. Although provision was made on the programme for a question and answer session, it was not followed.