Otjombinde Councillor Wenzel Kavaka is pleased with the progress made in developing the new settlement, Eiseb 10 Growth Point.

Developments include a livestock auction pen and the construction of an oxidation pond.

Eiseb 10 Growth Point is a remote area, but services are now reaching the community.

Kavaka says that given the good number of livestock in the area, the newly constructed auction pen will benefit farmers immensely and cut costs, as farmers had to travel more than 200 kilometres to the nearest pen.

"If these people have to take their animals to Gobabis to go sell there, they are charged N$1500 or N$800. We are very thankful for Meatco and the CEO that has promised us that before the end of August, they will complete this facility, and by looking at it moving at a very good pace, very soon we will be able to have our first auction at this facility."

A total of N$2.2 million has been earmarked for the construction of the oxidation pond, which is expected to be completed before the end of October this year.

"Such a service to the people means that our people are going to use proper sanitation, so their toilets will be flashing and all that will come to the oxidation pond. We have two phases here; if one is full, it will go to another one, and we are also planning to set up a community garden."

Kavaka adds that some locals have been employed by the ongoing projects to better their livelihoods.

Eiseb 10 Growth Point and its surrounding villages have a population of more than 3,000 inhabitants.