The Swapo Party launched its campaign for the by-elections in the Kabbe South Constituency in the Zambezi Region, starting at Impalila Island on Monday.

The party called on residents of the island to continue giving Swapo the mandate to run the developmental agenda that started immediately after independence.

Swapo Party Member of Parliament and Central Committee member Austin Samupwa reminded residents that Swapo is still in charge of the affairs of Namibia and its people.

Samupwa emphasised that more development has been achieved at Impalila Island, and more still needs to be achieved as per the Swapo Party election manifesto of 2024.

He further called upon residents of Impalila Island and the whole of Kabbe South Constituency to vote for the Swapo Party as they have been doing since independence, so that the Swapo development agenda is not interrupted.

Samupwa said Swapo does not give empty promises but always delivers as per national expectations and in accordance with the promises in the election manifestos, which guide development.

"What we want in this Kabbe South is that as we have developed the infrastructure, like roads that you see here, electricity and other critical services that are here and those that are still to come per this manifesto for Impalila, we want you to vote for the Swapo Party councillor, who will be in line with the Swapo Party governor, the ministers of Swapo, Swapo MPs and the Swapo president."

His colleague and former councillor for Kabbe South, John Likando, who relinquished his position in March when he was sworn in as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, assured residents of Kabbe South that he will continue serving them and the nation in a different capacity.

Likando reminded the residents that Impalila Island has seen growth in infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, mobile network services, and improved FM radio reception.

He further observed the improved health facilities, the upgrading of the Impalila school, the construction of immigration offices and houses for staff, and the opening of the border post between Namibia and Zambia at the island.

"What we mean is that here in Impalila, we are still stressing that more development is to come; we must not interrupt development. The Swapo Party is committed to serving the community; it is the Swapo Party that is always visiting you and being with you all the time. The colonialists were here and ruled this country for 105 years, but they did not develop Impalila Island; we did in just as little as 35 years. For those who have been here, the place has changed significantly in terms of development, so give us time and vote for us; we are going to upgrade these areas with time."

He therefore called upon all residents in the flood-prone areas of Kabbe South to continue trusting Swapo for more development to come.

The members of Parliament introduced the Swapo candidate for the Kabbe South by-elections, Raymond Sezuni, whom they described as hard-working and dedicated to service delivery.