A farewell dinner was held for Otjozondjupa Governor James Uerikua, Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson Marlayn Mbakera and Grootfontein Constituency Councillor Elder Filipe on Tuesday.

The private event in Otjiwarongo was attended by political office bearers and close friends. Uerikua stated that his office organised and funded the dinner at a cost of N$13 000 for about 30 guests.

Several speakers commended the trio for their instrumental role in the region’s development over the past four years. Okahandja Constituency Councillor Bethuel Tjaveondja described them as key figures in Otjozondjupa’s progress, while the event was also addressed by Otjiwarongo Mayor Gottlieb Shivute and Tsumkwe Constituency Councillor Johannes Hausiku.

Acting Otjozondjupa Chief Regional Officer Shikongo Alweendo urged the trio to advocate for expanding the B1 road from Okahandja to Tsumeb.

Meanwhile, Swapo’s Otjozondjupa Regional Coordinator, Immanuel Namaseb, announced upcoming by-elections to fill the vacancies left by Mbakera and Filipe.

“These by-elections for Otjiwarongo and Grootfontein constituencies should take place within 90 days,” Namaseb stated.

The evening concluded with guests presenting farewell gifts to Uerikua, Mbakera, and Filipe.

-Nampa