Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, held a closed-door meeting with representatives of the Zambezi Regional Council, the Katima Mulilo Town Council and the Bukalo Village Council at Katima Mulilo on Friday.

Before the closed-door meeting, Zambezi Governor Alufea Sampofu briefed the Premier about the security situation in the region and the challenges facing the operations of the green schemes in the region.

Sampofu also reiterated his call to the government to address the porous border where, since April 2022, hundreds of cattle have been crossed from Namibia to Zambia by cattle thieves who are at times armed.

The Zambezi Governor called on the government to at least clear the border from Katima Mulilo border post to Kamenga in Kongola to allow the security sectors to patrol the borderline.

Sampofu also reiterated his previous call for more boreholes in the region to address the water scarcity challenge for both humans and animals.

The governor noted that this year alone, two people have died from elephant attacks, while one person died after a crocodile attack due to competing for water, habitation, and other natural resources.

In response, the Prime Minister noted that the government is committed to ensuring that resources are distributed equitably for the benefit of the rural community.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform is busy addressing the water challenges, not only in the Zambezi Region but throughout the country.

She further observed that the Namibian government is in consultation with the Botswana government to ensure that the killing of Namibians by the BDF stops, adding that current agreements state that residents of both countries living along the riverine border share the natural resources equally.

The Prime Minister also visited the Masubia, Mafwe, and Mayeyi traditional authorities on Thursday to consult on issues affecting their communities.

She will also attend the Tukikonge Annual Cultural Festival at Mashi Traditional Authority on Sunday, where she is expected to deliver the keynote address.

Photo Credits
Sililo Mubiana
Author
Sililo Mubiana