The Swapo Party Coordinator in the Zambezi Region, Linken Chibozu has urged the Zambezi leadership to turn political influence into economic growth.

He made the call at the opening of the party's leadership training at Katima Mulilo. 

Chibozu challenged political leaders to move beyond political control and translate the party's strong hold into economic development. 

“I am also tired of hearing the slogan "Zambezi is the gateway to SADC" How do we talk of being a gateway to SADC without a bypass road, you know what I mean the congestion in town. Comrade Minister, without the proper boarder infrastructure. The infrastructure is not only necessary to reduce congestion at our points of entry but also to improve efficiency at our borders. It will also improve the logistics index of the country.”

Works and Transport Minister, Veiko Nekundi said the ministry has officially started with the comprehensive study for Namibia to develop the rail way network up to Katima Mulilo border post.

“The contract was cleared by the attorney general, the contract was signed between the government and the consultant and as of the first week of August the consultant has started with the conceptual development of the study. So we shall ensure Zambezi region is indeed the artery of Namibia becoming a logistic hub for the Southern Africa region.”

Nekundi also added that progress has been made with the finalisation of the design of the road expansion from the Liselo check point to the border post at a cost of N$10 million. 

Swapo Party Secretary General, Sophia Shaningwa emphasised that the workshop aimed at equipping leaders with the skills necessary to implement projects without delay. 

“Our people voted for Swapo on this strength of these promises, it is therefore our collective duty to ensure that every decision and every programme is implemented at the regional and local authority level advancing the realisation of those commitments.”