The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation is looking to strengthen its presence in the Omusati Region through news coverage, expanded local programming and closer cooperation with leaders at different levels.

The initiative was highlighted during a series of engagements between the national broadcaster's Director-General Menesia Muinjo and regional and traditional leaders in the region.

Muinjo met with the Omusati Regional Council, where Governor Immanuel Shikongo outlined several development priorities he wants the broadcaster to help bring to communities.

One of the major projects is the proposed Etaka-Uuvidhiya Canal.

"This is an approximately 130-kilometre project of ground canals that we would like to see concretised. We want it to be compacted so that it can hold water, exactly like the one that we have now from Epalela to Oshakati."

Others are the revival of the Export Processing Zone at Omahenene, a proposed Tomato Processing Plant and the Ogongo Rural Development Project.

The engagement also resulted in an agreement under which the broadcaster will assist in publicising and documenting the Outapi Town Council's projects, programmes and development initiatives.

Traditional leaders have also raised concerns about the NBC's existing reach.

The spokesperson of the Ombalantu Traditional Authority, Isdor Kanelombe, said some areas under its jurisdiction continue to experience poor radio reception.

"There are times when the coverage does not reach those areas properly. They are some of the places that have been identified, so when you are planning and looking at the areas under the jurisdiction of the Ombalantu Traditional Authority, please consider those areas."

Muinjo stated that the NBC has already taken steps to strengthen its regional operations by introducing a news team in the region after operating without one for several years.

"For the past 36 years, Omusati has been without journalists based within the region. We are also looking forward to introducing KATI FM to make it easier for the locals in Ombalantu and nearby communities to access information and to see how this will improve the quality of information sharing."

Muinjo noted that the NBC's direct-to-home project is approaching completion, with the current status indicating that it is 98% finished.

The system is expected to improve access to NBC services, particularly in areas where conventional coverage remains a challenge.

The engagements aim to strengthen cooperation between the NBC and the regions, as well as to identify ways to improve access to information and presence in communities.