Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate says various development efforts are transforming communities in the region.

Delivering the State of the Region Address in Gobabis, Nganate said agriculture, youth empowerment, quality education, health and social welfare, land, housing and sanitation remain top priorities.

He noted that more than 22,000 households benefited from drought relief food distribution, and four commercial farms were acquired for resettlement, with nine beneficiaries successfully settled.

Twenty-two boreholes were drilled and 17 installed under the emergency drought programme.

On youth empowerment, Nganate said 40 young people were trained in business management and supported with startup loans for income-generating projects, led by the ministry responsible for youth and sports.

"If given the right opportunities, our youth have the power to transform not only their own lives but also drive innovation and growth within the region and beyond," he said.

On land and housing, Nganate said settlements such as Buitepos, Epukiro, Talismanus and Aminuis are set to be upgraded to town level, while Drimiopsis, Eiseb 10 and Ben Hur are earmarked to become settlements.

He reported that 356 customary land rights were registered and highlighted completed projects including the renovation of staff housing in Talismanus, fencing of government flats in Gobabis, and conversion of storerooms to an archive.

On health, the governor noted a slight decline in malnutrition cases compared to previous years, crediting collaborative interventions by various stakeholders.

He emphasized the need to integrate nutrition-sensitive outreach through agriculture and explore partnerships for food and nutrition projects.