Before the proclamation of Kavango West as a separate region in 2013, the region had been dependent on Kavango East for some government services.

The region's dependency is slowly fading away as services come closer to the people, with the latest being the inauguration of a Regional Liquor Licensing Committee.

The committee was established within the framework of the Liquor Act; however, since the proclamation of the region, the functions of the committee were not decentralised to Nkurenkuru, which is a seat of the region.

"We are all aware that the liquor industry is a major source of employment both at the informal, which is estimated to be about 21 000 jobs created, and the formal level, and this industry has also contributed to other activities emanating from the sale and supply of liquor. Though the industry significantly contributes to the national economic growth valued at +-N$10 billion under the current year, it is equally associated with social ills, thus the need to strike a balance on socio-economic developmental matters. Therefore, as leaders in our communities, we must always encourage responsible drinking of alcohol when such opportunity presents itself," said Deputy Minister of Industrialisation and Trade Verna Sinimbo.

A training workshop was held in June this year, attended by the business community, government offices, ministries, and agencies, and the general public on the general administration of the Liquor Act.

Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab highlighted that the purpose of the committee is not only to issue liquor licenses but to ensure that those who operate within the liquor industry do so with a sense of responsibility and respect for the communities they serve.

"Even though it's required for a shebeen to have ablution facilities, sometimes they don't, and people are using all of that environment to relieve themselves, and it just becomes an uncomfortable space, particularly for our young people and the elderly. Liquor license committee: these are the kinds of things you must guard against. If they are already shebeens in residential areas, we must find alternative spaces."

The Chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council, Joseph Sikongo, appreciated the efforts of the two ministries and further urged for the appointment of a magistrate there.

"Avoiding commuting from Rundu all the time as if we are not a fully-fledged government, we want the magistrate minister to one day have a house in Nkurenkuru because town council is constructing houses and also to have an office to operate from so that we feel the services of the magistrate not only services but essential services also."

Sikongo further urged the committee members to maintain integrity, stay away from corrupt activities, and serve people diligently.