Efforts to improve basic services and development in Opuwo are gaining momentum, with the Town Council addressing hard water, roads and access to land.

Head of Local Economic and Community Development Uatjivisa Uarije, who also serves as the Corporate and Strategic Communication Officer for the Opuwo Town Council, says addressing the town's hard water challenge remains a priority.

Eight boreholes drilled through the line ministry contain high levels of lime and require treatment.

"The implementation of the treatment plant for the borehole that we have drilled through the line Ministry has drilled 8 boreholes, and this water contains lime, so it needs to be treated."

Uarije emphasised that the treatment plant is imperative to ensure water supplied to residents is fit for human consumption.

Despite limited funding, the council is also improving roads and making more land available for housing and economic activities. Through the Development Workshop of Namibia, plots have been made available at Etati 1 and 2, while the council is also working with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia.

"The council have given 300 plots so far, and they requested for additional plots to be given. But then the need is there because the 300 plots are already bought out, and they requested additional plots; the council has already made a resolution that they will be given additional plots for this development."

The plots cater for different income groups, small businesses and street vendors. At Etati 1 and 2, the road network is complete, paving the way for sewerage and electricity.

The council is also supporting vulnerable residents through the Mayoral Relief Fund, which forms part of the council's 2024-2029 strategic plan. with fundraising activities planned.

"The Mayoral Relief Fund is a we-care project, which is the council's corporate social responsibility whereby it's under the office of the Mayor; it is an initiative to mobilise resources in order for the council to help the needy within our community and uplift their lives. We have a gala dinner that will be at the open market. A single ticket is N$300, a table of 10 is N$3000, and a partner is N$600. All this collection will be done to support the initiative of the Mayoral Fund, and on Saturday we will have a horse raising."

For residents, improved water, access to land, better roads and support for vulnerable families mean more than infrastructure; they offer the prospect of healthier, more secure lives and a stronger future for communities across Opuwo.