Marginalised communities at Epukiro are set to benefit from the construction of 40 houses and a community garden courtesy of the N/a'an Ku Sé Foundation and the Epukiro Upliftment Project.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi commended partnerships aimed at improving the lives of indigenous communities.

The project is expected to transform and improve the living conditions of the beneficiaries.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony at Omauezonjanda, Vice President Lucia Witbooi described the construction of 40 housing units as a long-term investment.

Witbooi added that the establishment of a community garden will improve food security at the household level and promote self-sufficiency.

"We also break ground with hope for improved livelihoods, strengthened resilience, preserved culture and a future where every Namibian lives with dignity and equal opportunities. It is therefore my honour to officially witness and support the groundbreaking of the Epukiro Upliftment Project, and I wish all stakeholders who will be involved in this noble initiative a very successful implementation."

Witbooi reminded the community that achieving sustainable development requires ownership, participation, and partnership, not just infrastructure.

Marlice Van Vuuren, the Executive Director of the Foundation, is committed to diligently ensuring the project's completion and sustainability.

"Someone will get here to see the positivity and the willingness to still go on, but the problem is we go back to our nice lives, and what can we plan for this community to restore dignity and hope? We have worked on a plan, and we came up with housing. If we could give these San people a house, water, a garden, and just a plough to back, will that help? And we are 100% sure it will help them."

Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate commented on the partnership, saying it responds to the need for decent living.

"These interventions respond directly to the lived realities of the Epukiro community and speak to long-term stability and resilience. On behalf of the office of the governor and the people of the Omaheke Region, I extend our sincere appreciation to Dr Rudie and Mrs Van Vuuren, to the N/a'an Ku Sé team and to your partners. Your work has strengthened communities, restored hope, and demonstrated what genuine partnership looks like."

He stated the project aligns with the national development goals for social progression.