The Governor of ||Kharas region, Dawid Gertze, has announced that plans are underway to establish a Governor's Development Advisory Council to drive the regional development plans.
He said this when delivering his second State of the Regional Address at Keetmanshoop today.
The governor highlighted his administration will be defined by three critical pillars of youth empowerment, land reform and water security.
He, however, was quick to note all sectors remain a priority.
"Organised into strategic development clusters, this council will meet quarterly to drive accountability and progress. My objective is clear: To deliver tangible, life-changing results for our citizens."
Highlighting educational infrastructure development, Gertze revealed new classroom expansion projects stand at 80 percent completion thresholds.
The classroom construction works are underway at Hendrik Tseib Primary School, EHW Baard Primary School, and Ambrosius Amutenya Primary.
Construction works of Aussenkehr Combined School hostel, the Aus community hostel and a learning centre at Oranjemund are also progressing well.
"In terms of foundational skills, the region targets raising Grade 3 numeracy levels from 15% to 20% and literacy from 31% to 36%. Through the Social Welfare Net, the Namibia School Feeding Programme will be expanded to sustain 36,530 learners, ensuring that no child learns on an empty stomach. The digital transformation pillar will connect 5 additional schools to the internet and equip 14% of regional schools with functional ICT resources," informed Gertze.
Governor Gertze said continued efforts are underway to strengthen water security and improve sanitation across the region.
In April 2026, contracts were awarded for the installation of six new boreholes in the Berseba and Karasburg East constituencies, at a total investment of N$4.7 million.
Gertze revealed the focus for the 2026/2027 financial year will shift to the operational implementation of the Neckartal Dam irrigation second phase.
This, he added, will include surveying, demarcation, and advertising the entire landholding.
The governor pledged the regional leadership's full support for the planned NamPort port expansion at Luderitz.