Omaheke Regional Council is set to prioritise upgrading settlements to the status of towns, modernising the agricultural sector, and upscaling youth activities to improve communities' livelihoods.
Speaking to nbc News, the Chairperson of the Omaheke Regional Council, Ignatius Kariseb, stressed that given the importance of the agricultural sector, abundant underground water should be used to promote green scheme projects.
Kariseb added that, despite government support for the farmers due to drought effects, it's time for the region to work together with role players and find a lasting solution.
"Last year, around October, I presented a motion focusing on agricultural activities in the region. We advocated for the establishment of feedlots and the installation of irrigation systems in Aminuis, Summerdown, Epukiro RC, and other areas. Our goal is to provide relief not only for farmers and their livestock, but also for the human aspect."
Another area that will be given priority is the upgrading of some settlements that continue to grow economically.
"For Buitepos to become a town, but then it is not only Buitepos; we have Talismanus, Epukiro, and Eiseb. These are all other areas that need to be upgraded to the next level, and in that regard, already the office also conducted an assessment. We are just waiting for the report to see what viable options we need to follow and so on."
The chairperson also maintained that youth empowerment and sports activities are on the priority list for this year.
Kariseb informed nbc News that road infrastructure, income-generating projects, and rural electrification are also on the list.