Tourism in Erongo is showing signs of positive recovery, with most hotel establishments reaching an occupancy rate of 59,36 in the fourth quarter of last year, compared to 50,1 percent in 2019.
 
This was highlighted by Governor Neville Andre during the Erongo Tourism Forums media briefing with stakeholders.   

The region's tourism sector is well on its way to recovery after it was severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Erongo Regional Council has reiterated its commitment to service delivery.

Its Chairperson Benitha Imbamba said they have rated the best regional council in terms of customer service charter development and implementation by the office of the Prime Minister.

Imbamba said this during the region's annual opening meeting at Swakopmund.

Erongo scooped first place among the regional councils and third place in the overall government agencies ratings.

The Police in the Erongo Region will take action against learners carrying life-threatening objects at West Side High School in Swakopmund. 

Unit Commander for Community Affairs in Erongo, Inspector Ileni Shapumba said this when he addressed boy learners, after a fight broke out at the school, injuring one pupil.
Inspector Shapumba, says it is disturbing to hear that some pupils are carrying sharp objects, such as knives, as well as using drugs and alcohol at the school.

The Erongo Region is struggling to respond to medical emergencies due to a shortage of ambulances at state hospitals.

Walvis Bay Mayor, Trevino Forbes, has expressed concern over the shortage of ambulances in the region, especially in the harbor town. 

"I have come to learn that the ambulance we are using here is borrowed from Omaruru, and it's also not working. It can't be that we are running our town like this. Namibia's industrial hub, a dilapidated hospital, no ambulances, and I can't stand by and watch as these public services deteriorate."

A 25-year-old disabled young woman from the Okombahe Settlement, Erongo Region, is appealing for assistance in securing a dignified ablution facility.
 
Mercia ||Guruse was born and raised in the Okombahe settlement, situated in east central Namibia.

Born without limbs, ||Guruse recounts a tough upbringing, having to crawl on her knees and navigate rocky terrain often filled with thorns and broken glass.

She has never allowed her condition to discourage her from going into business and running her own ice supply operation.

Overtaking in blind spots, driving under the influence of alcohol, and speeding are some of the major issues contributing to road accidents in the Erongo Region.

Road safety stakeholders, including the police, the Roads Authority, the Motor Accident Vehicle Fund, and the City Police, are all active at roadblocks in the Erongo region.

Stakeholders warn motorists against taking risks on public roads, warning that culprits will be arrested.

Travelers are further cautioned not to use rest stops along public roads for drinking sprees.

The Erongo Region recorded a 15% increase in road crashes and a 6% decrease in fatalities from January to November this year.

This was revealed by Police Regional Commander, Nickolas Kupembona, during the official opening of the Swakopmund roadblock for the festive season.

Kupembona says that it is evident that during the festive seasons, the national roads become a cause of concern to the nation as a result of the road accidents that tend to increase during this time of the year.

Erongo Regional Governor Neville Andre has called on small-scale mining companies to improve the living and working conditions of employees.

Governor Neville Andre and stakeholders paid a surprise visit to workers at a small mining site about 30 kilometers from Arandis.

The governor was not happy with the living conditions of the workers, who are accommodated in corrugated iron shacks.

The ablution facilities leave much to be desired.

Omatjete residents say the water crisis is affecting their resolve to grow food and diversify their farming activities.

The persistent drought has decreased underground water sources at Omatjete and surrounding areas in the past 7 years.

Community leaders say only one borehole has remained operational to provide water to the entire community.

A truck transports water from other areas to Omatjete about three days a week to meet the demand but it is not enough.

FarPoint Investments has assisted the Zeraeua Traditional Authority at Omatjete in the Erongo Region with new modern technology equipment to help with the office operation and render better and more efficient service to the community.

Items donated worth N$130 thousand consist of computers, a printer, a water tank, and solar light.

The general manager at Farpoint Investments, Maggie Shi, pledged the company's commitment to assist in the development of the community in Omatjete.