The Chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Marlene Mbakera, has called for the construction of a referral hospital in Otjiwarongo. 
 
Mbakera was speaking during the National Planning Commission's visit to the Otjozondjupa Region.

Mbakera says Otjiwarongo has never been without good plans, but rather, its challenge lies in the execution of such plans. 

She spoke with regards to a referral hospital planned for Otjiwarongo, which has been featured in the expenditure framework for the past seven years now. 

Plans to improve the Otavi Magistrate's Court are on the recommendation cards following a visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Capital Projects and Legal Affairs, which found the building not conducive to court sessions.

This was confirmed by committee chairperson Tjekero Tweya during a courtesy call to the Otjozondjupa Governors Office, represented by Regional Council Chairperson Marlene Mbakera.

Residents of Kalkfeld Settlement in Otjozondjupa Region have promised to live up to the dream of attaining the status of village council, as they say the late President Hage Geingob would have wanted.

Their sentiments were shared by Otjiwarongo Constituency Councillor, Marlene Mbakera, at the candlelight service held at the settlement's open market.

The settlement was left with fond memories of Dr. Geingob when he visited them and encouraged the residents and the leaders to grow economically and retain village council status.

As the festive season brings forth a wave of generosity, Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson and Otjiwarongo Constituency Councillor, Marlene Mbakera, has stepped forward to spread joy.

In a heartwarming initiative, she has focused on bringing comfort to mothers with sick infants and children battling various illnesses at the Otjiwarongo State Hospital.

Collaborating with Northern Graphite Mine and Otjiwarongo Pep Stores, the council has embarked on a mission to brighten the lives of these young patients with thoughtful gifts.

The Revive Kalkfeld Project continues to change the image of the village and revive it, to its former glory.

These are the sentiments of Otjiwarongo Constituency Councillor Marlene Mbakera, when she received donation of furniture for the recently renovated community hall at the settlement.

Mbakera says development is slowly taking shape at Kalkfeld, which sees little or no economic activities.

She says plans are now in motion to host an open day for more investors to set up shops in the area.

Kalkfeld was downgraded in 1996 due to a lack of growth.

With young people immensely affected by unemployment, the Otjozondjupa Regional Council is offering training to youth, with the aim of helping them develop as entrepreneurs.

Another group is undergoing training in poultry production.

The Otjozondjupa Regional Council says it will not promise young people jobs. Instead, it has built up a list of local residents who have come to visit their offices and enrolled them in various training programmes meant to prepare them for opportunities lying in wait.