The Governor of the Omaheke Region, Pijoo Nganate, said the absence of a chief within the Bakgalagadi community in the Aminuis Constituency has deprived that community of much-needed services.

The position was left vacant after the death of Chief Hubert Tidimalo Ditshabue in 2021.

Speaking at Corridor 21 in the Aminuis constituency during his office outreach programme, Governor Nganate echoed that although the government is trying its best to uplift communities, with the absence of a leader to provide guidance, the implementation of projects will be delayed.

Nganate added that during the engagement session with the Bakgalagadi community, they resolved to nominate candidates for the chieftainship position after a committee of more than 30 people was established to spearhead the process.

"The spirit is very good; there is no animosity, there is no dissatisfaction. Everybody is happy, and we are now hoping and seeing that this community will come up with a single name for someone who will be leading Bakgalagadi into the next dispensation. Since the Bakgalagadi does not have a customary law, it was difficult, for example, to have an appointed chief immediately after the traditional leaders. However, they have decided that since there is no customary law regarding succession, they will adhere to the practices they have followed in the past."

Nganate reports that the community has received livestock and a new solar-powered borehole for community garden projects.

The Chairperson of the Traditional Authority, Sekope Kaiser, welcomed the initiative taken by the Governor to visit them, as the community needed direction on how to appoint the successor after the late Chief Ditshabue.

"We had a very good meeting that provided us with direction regarding the chief position, and during this meeting, the community also raised concerns about traditional councillors who do not attend to important matters. This information was presented to the governor for intervention, and we hope he will resolve these issues so that we can move forward."

On Corridor 17, the !Xoo community pleaded with the governor for better housing services and income-generating projects to improve their living standards.

Nganate maintained that his office will channel all challenges raised with relevant line ministries to address them.