The Epukiro community in the Omaheke Region say slow development in the constituency is negatively impacting their living standards. 

Residents shared this at the Decentralisation Awareness Session held at Epukiro Pos 3 in the Omaheke Region. 

Although the inhabitants of Epukiro acknowledged the central government's efforts in development, they noted that areas such as road upgrades and proper housing are still lagging behind.

The community also indicated that there is a delay with capital projects.

The Deputy Director of Decentralisation and Legal Policy in the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development responded that despite limited funds and a lack of government offices in the region, the state is fully committed to regional development. 

Tjiuti Hiiko added that the community is expected to participate in the development process.

"Now we are creating awareness about decentralisation, as we want to tell you what the government is doing and what is expected from the community members, and also one good thing decentralisation brought is the various committees that we have in place, like the constituency development, where community members should participate in order to influence decision-making, and this is the only way they participate and create ownership and sustain whatever development initiatives are put in place because they will own."

Epukiro Councillor Packy Pakarae highlighted some of the developments there. "As we speak now, a number of over 260 plots have been serviced and planned, of which some are for residential purposes and business. And it is a process that now an allocation has now started. All we are saying is that they should continue submitting their forms. We are on board, and we are on a good trajectory now because that process is ongoing for better development."