Residents of Epembe in the Ohangwena Region staged a demonstration, demanding better services such as an improved road network in their constituency.

In their petition, handed over to Ohangwena Governor Walde Ndevashiya, residents say there is a poor road network in the constituency that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

The demonstrators are demanding a tarred road from Oushake to Okankolo and a gravel road from Epembe to Omuhongo.

"These communities of Epembe and the rest of the eastern part of the region are tired of being deprived of development for a very long time. Chapter 3 article 10 of the constitution gives equal rights to every citizen and it is therefore unfair that the Ohangwena regional council is only favouring one side of the region," said Stephanus Nepela, speaking on behalf of the group. 

The demonstrators also want the Oshidute-Onduludiya-Omuhongo road proclaimed.

The villagers say patients referred to district hospitals from Omuhongo Health Centre on an emergency basis find it traumatising due to a lack of or poor roads, and they find it difficult to access hospital services on time.

"The message should also reach Ongwediva Roads Authority officials on how they become political tools since un-proclaimed roads are being constructed using proclaimed road numbers. This means that resources reserved for certain areas are being diverted to benefit only one certain ethnic group," added Nepela.

Ohangwena Governor Walde Ndevashiya, who received their petition, promised to forward it to relevant authorities. "All I can assure you is that we will take up this petition with all the relevant authorities, whether it's the RA, Works and Transport ministry or the regional