The week-long Kunene River Mouth Outreach Programme has concluded, giving government first-hand insight into the region's development needs and untapped potential. 

Kunene Region's Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua says the knowledge gained must now inform policies and interventions that bring meaningful change to communities.

Reflecting on the week-long journey at the Epupa Falls, Muharukua acknowledged the collective efforts of government ministries and service providers in taking essential services to some of the region's most remote communities.

"It has been a week where the teams of government, service providers and all the ministries have been working to provide services to the people of the Kunene region."

He emphasised that the outreach went beyond service delivery, providing first-hand information about the realities on the ground, which he says will contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

"One really considers the journey that we have taken as first-hand research into the situation on the ground in our whole region."

Pointing to the region's untapped economic and tourism potential, Muharukua urged Namibians to explore opportunities along Kunene's coastline and turn its natural assets into lasting economic benefits.

"From the coast, Terrace Bay, Torra Bay, Cape Fria, all the way to the Kunene Mouth, this is our land standing with open hands inviting Namibians, inviting people from the Kunene region to make sure that we create some of the memorable tourism routes."

The governor underscored that unlocking this potential must go hand in hand with addressing drought, poor roads and limited access to essential services, particularly in remote communities such as Orupembe, Otjinungua and Onyuva.

Muharukua expressed hope that the outreach will translate into tangible development, improved infrastructure and better access to essential services, ensuring that remote communities also benefit from Kunene's vast potential.