Residents of Epupa in the Kunene Region are calling on incoming councillors to prioritise development in the area.

They cited poverty and poor infrastructure as major challenges facing them.

Some community members informed NBC News that they have been struggling since the discontinuation of drought relief food.

One of their sources of income is the women's craft centre. Even then, only some stalls are operational, while others have been abandoned.

Despite being situated in one of Namibia's most scenic and tourist-attractive areas, roads leading to Epupa are in disrepair, limiting opportunities for local businesses.

Handicraft sellers are also feeling the pinch, with only a few tourists buying their items.

"We are barely surviving. I have about 14 children under my care, and neither my children nor I get any financial assistance from the government. Those councillors that we continue to elect neglect us. We are suffering and have no food to put on our tables," said Mberimana Tjambiru.

Another resident, Mariane Kandiimwena, echoed those sentiments, saying, "We are suffering, and we want to inform our president of our ordeal in Epupa. We are not sick from any disease, such as cholera, but from hunger. If you are elected as a councillor, assist people to survive so they vote for you again."

Young people, like Kavena Mupiya and Sarah Markus, who make a living among the scenic palm trees, say voting does not give them much hope.

"They discontinued the drought relief, and now we don't have anything. We want the government to bring development so that we can earn a living and better our livelihood," said Mupiya. 

For Markus, the area has a lot of potential for business, but they need assistance. "This area is really beautiful, and tourists love it here, but due to the poor road network, it has negatively affected the economic activities here. We need this road to be upgraded as a matter of urgency."

Epupa lya Kapika is situated 180 kilometres from the capital of the Kunene Region, Opuwo.