The government has been urged to bring certain services that can enhance the living standards of rural communities in Zambezi Region closer.

Chief Shikati Boniface Shufu, of the Mayeyi community, was dismayed over the ongoing practise of referring patients from Zambezi to Rundu in the Kavango Region and Windhoek for specialised treatments.

Shikati Shufu, speaking at the 31st annual Batshara Annual Cultural Festival at Sangwali, also wants to see services such as the upgrading of Sangwali Health Centre to a district hospital, a police station to accommodate more inmates, and the construction of a civil registration office. 

The Mayeyi chief also observed that despite the availability of rural electrification and access to clean drinking water, the majority of the rural areas in his jurisdiction are still without these basic necessities.

While expressing dismay over the lack of a green scheme in his area, the Mayeyi chief called on the government to implement the resolutions of the Land Conference to address human-wildlife conflicts.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage, as it enables citizens to maintain social cohesion and stability.

Her message was delivered on her behalf by the Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Faustina Caley.

She says the Zambezi Region possesses significant potential in three of these sectors except mining, encouraging residents in Zambezi to actively engage in rice production to enhance food security in the region.

Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated that the government will continue to assist vulnerable members of society through social grants, warning those misusing such grants, especially those receiving them on behalf of children, to refrain from such practises.