Kavango West Governor, Sirkka Ausiku, has made a heartfelt plea to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, urging them to prioritise her region for poverty alleviation efforts.
Sirkka Ausiku made this appeal during the opening of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development's Annual Progress Review and Planning workshop in Nkurenkuru.
Kavango West was proclaimed a region about 10 years ago, separating its administration from Kavango East.
The region currently comprises just one central location, Nkurenkuru, and a single settlement, Katwitwi.
Despite its abundance of natural resources, the region grapples with a staggering poverty rate of 79.6%.
"I have a request to all of you here: if you can turn our region into a case study to help us determine if the rural development programme implemented in our region is successful and to see if we need some improvement and in which area. I think when we meet, I know you will be sharing what you are doing in your region, but also take the time to read and analyse thoroughly and come up with recommendations that can help us improve."
She also raised concerns about how to enhance the region's development, particularly given that it is overwhelmingly rural, at about 99%.
Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni emphasised the importance of not solely relying on the ministry for progress but instead encouraging the youth to actively engage in agricultural activities.
He believes that such participation will not only generate employment opportunities but also contribute to reducing the poverty rate in the region.
"Also, look heavily at agriculture and how we can strengthen agriculture's potentiality in this region because this is the issue that we need to focus on to help us create more employment. Governor, please push on that one."
Furthermore, Uutoni announced the ministry's plan to conclude the review of the national rural development policy and strategy before the end of the current fiscal year.
This step demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the region's challenges and fostering sustainable development.