In his State of the Region Address at Opuwo, Kunene Governor Marius Sheya highlighted infrastructure development as a key component in stimulating prosperity, promoting economic inclusion, and creating job opportunities.
Sheya highlighted several projects carried out by local authorities aimed at enhancing service delivery through the provision of essential services to residents.
There are a number of projects completed in the 2023–2024 financial year in the Kamanjab local authority, Khorixas town council, Outjo municipality, and Opuwo town council.
"Kamanjab local authority has completed the construction of bulk sewerage reticulation in Extension 2 at a cost of N$1,915,175.59 employing 16 people and is 90% complete. The construction of bulk water storage phase 2 is 75% complete, employing 12 people at a cost of N$4,472,624.58."
On education, Sheya pointed out that the construction of classrooms, ablution facilities, hostel renovations, including the Jacob Basson Combined School in Khorixas, and the electrification of Orumana Combined School in Opuwo Rural, are but some of the achievements.
On vocational training, he singled out the completion of the Khorixas Vocational Training Centre, which was officially inaugurated by President Nangolo Mbumba this month.
"The Khorixas VTC hostel is a priority for the Namibia Training Authority given the anticipated influx of trainees from different constituencies of the Kunene Region and beyond. The ground-breaking ceremony for the hostel facility was done concurrently with the inauguration of the Khorixas VTC facility on September 7, 2024."
On health, the governor touched on some of the projects undertaken during the period under review.
"Construction and upgrading of primary health care clinics at N$9.6 million, Epupa and staff accommodation is 95% complete, the construction of Oroutumba health post at N$628,813.31 is complete, and service and repair of an autoclave for Opuwo hospital at N$89,895.20 is complete."
Seven boreholes were drilled at Opuwo Rural Constituency, another two were drilled in Khorixas, at Werdevrede and Konob Post, and another eight in Sesfontein Constituency.
"Two boreholes were installed in Opuwo Urban at Otjerunda School and Okatumba East; two boreholes were installed in Khorixas constituency at Konop Olifants water post."
Thirteen farms were offered to the state for assessment and demarcation purposes.