The Kavango West Regional Council has employed several strategies to promote professionalism and good governance.

The information was disclosed by Chief Regional Officer Matheus Singambwe during an interview with the MICT Kavango West regional office.

"We have strengthened key areas such as accountability. We account for every penny and every activity implemented by the council. It should be part of our annual plan. The second strategy we have is risk management. We are one of the councils that have successfully minimised risks. One of the major risks we face is the potential for overpayments or ghost payments to non-existent staff. To mitigate this, we conduct our own internal audits. We have also established an independent internal audit committee to assist in risk management. Additionally, we emphasise adherence to good ethics and a strong code of conduct."

These governance strategies have contributed to commendable achievements in the region, particularly in the ICT sector. 

However, road infrastructure remains a concern for many residents in some constituencies.

"Our biggest challenge, especially, is access roads, particularly regional access roads. Not much has been done to connect our inland areas with the national road network. However, I am pleased that our concerns are being considered. For example, work has begun on the D3446 road, known as the Charlie Cutline, which passes through different constituencies and provides access to other regions. This road is strategically important to us, as it passes through all 100 farming units," said Edgius Nambara, the Director of Planning and Development at the council.

Kapako Constituency Councillor, Johannes Karondo, expressed concern over a lack of road infrastructure in his constituency, saying residents still travel long distances to access basic needs.

"Since independence, Kapako has not had a single gravel road leading inland. Imagine an expecting mother walking over 30 kilometres to reach a health facility – it is a challenge. However, we are pleased that a telecommunications tower has been erected in Mupini, about seven kilometres from here. Although it has not yet been commissioned, we are hopeful that once it is operational, we will finally have better network reception."