The Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Lazarus Kanelombe, has called for greater accountability in public service delivery and more inclusive economic development, warning that investment and economic growth must translate into tangible benefits for communities across the region.
Kanelombe said unemployment, poverty, infrastructure backlog, and unequal access to economic opportunities remain major challenges that require coordinated and practical interventions.
Speaking at the Council's 371st Ordinary Regional Council meeting held at Swakopmund, Kanelombe emphasised that development must extend beyond major economic centres to rural constituencies and underserved communities.
He highlighted concerns raised by residents of Katorab, Okatjio, and Ondundu over mining activities, particularly proposed relocations, land rights, compensation, and access to local procurement opportunities.
Kanelombe said that mining investments must respect community rights and ensure that residents affected by development projects also benefit from the economic opportunities created.
He also wants infrastructure investment accelerated, pointing to the rehabilitation of the Karibib/Usakos road, which generated 593 employment opportunities during construction, as an example of how public investment can stimulate local economic activity.
“Humanitarian assistance provides important immediate relief, but sustainable development requires us to confront the underlying challenges of unemployment, inadequate household income, and limited access to economic opportunities. The dignity and welfare of our people must remain central to our developmental priorities.”
Meanwhile, the council's first Education Infrastructure Investment Conference identified projects worth approximately N$230 million, targeting classrooms, hostels, teacher accommodation, and other essential learning facilities.
“The work of the Regional Development Coordinating Committee and Constituency Development Committees remains important in strengthening coordination and ensuring that development priorities are informed by the needs of our communities. However, coordination must ultimately lead to implementation. Council resolutions must be acted upon, institutional responsibilities must be respected, and administrative processes should support rather than delay service delivery.”
He also reported skills development initiatives that benefited 60 people in Walvis Bay Urban, while 265 residents in Henties Bay, Uis, and Okombahe received financial literacy training.
However, Kanelombe stressed that training programmes must increasingly translate into employment and sustainable income generation opportunities.