The promotion of urban and rural development will take center stage in the Oshana Region this year to accelerate economic and infrastructure development. This was said by the region's Governor Elia Irimari during his State of Region Address at Oshakati. Irimari says, economic emancipation is crucial in the attainment of the region's developmental agendas. This he says, include employment creation, improved sanitation and access to health amongst others. Irimari, in his address also spoke about the provision of land in Oshana, saying, this has been partially redeemed in Oshakati, Ongwediva and Ondangwa, However, he says there is still a major backlog which is yet to be addressed. Irimari said, in terms of land delivery, the local authorities in Oshana are working to accelerate the delivery of housing in the region. The Ministry of Land Reform has also introduced a successful project under the flexible land tenure system in Oshakati Town at a cost of N$4 million. A total of 3 563 plots were allocated by the three towns to avail land for housing development to all income categories. During the previous financial year, the region received N$14 million from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture. Of this, two schools were build and essential education facilities constructed. However, the Oshana Region continues to battle with a scourge of educational projects, saying only one of the many have been completed, This he says is putting a strain on service delivery in the region's education sector. He further added that he has noted with concern that, the process of projects implementation by head office of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture is cumbersome and needs to be improved. He, therefore, requested the Ministry of Arts and Culture to prioritise funding these projects, and the ministry to fast track the implementation of projects spearheaded by head office, which are not yet completed since 2014.