||Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze highlighted the need to fully harness the region's natural resources to drive Namibia's industrialisation agenda.
In his inaugural State of the Region Address, Gertze highlighted that the development of infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports, is crucial in the facilitation of trade and investment in the region.
"Furthermore, the investments in renewable energy projects, such as green hydrogen, solar, and wind farms, can contribute to sustainable development and further attract further investment. This progress is driven by a convergence of strategic initiatives, including the Neckartal Dam irrigation project, which is set to revolutionise agricultural practices and enhance food security within the region and across the country."
The governor also expressed concern over the high rate of school dropouts among learners between the ages of 9 and 17, as well as the region's poor performance in the Class of 2024 in Grade 11 and AS Level.
He called for redoubled efforts to revive the tripartite partnership between parents, teachers, and learners to redress these shortcomings.
Governor Gertze highlighted that youth empowerment, particularly in addressing youth unemployment, is one of his top priorities.
He proposed a review of the region's resettlement programme to benefit local communities and to align with regional development goals.
Commercial farmers have been encouraged to become active role players in bridging the gap between commercial and communal farmers.
"To the young men and women sitting here today, to those listening in the villages and towns across ||Kharas and beyond, my message to you is clear: Your time to shine and prove your worth is now."
Governor Gertze implored traditional leaders to become drivers of progress and agents of change, reminding them to make communal land available to people to strengthen development and progress.
"My people, the Neckartal Dam is not just water in a reservoir. It is our hope for a better tomorrow for our indigenous inhabitants in the region. There are jobs on the horizon. It is wealth still untapped. When we unlock it, we will see hunger disappearing from our households."
Gertze called for collective efforts to tackle crime in the region, describing it as a threat to lives, children, and dreams.
At the occasion, those in attendance stood in appreciation of the just-crowned Miss Namibia Johanna Swartbooi, who hails from the ||Kharas Region.