Transport Minister says roads are foundation for country's economy

The Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa has highlighted the importance of developing rural roads as a foundation for the country's economy. 

Mutorwa emphasized that infrastructure development acts as a catalyst for economic growth, social progress, and plays a significant role in enhancing global competitiveness and attracting investments.

The Works and Transport Minister said this during a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of construction of the Tsandi-Omugulugwoombashe road, also known as District Road 3633, in the Omusati Region.

Namibia fails to meet targets outlined in the African Agriculture Development Project

Namibia has failed to meet several targets outlined in the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Project.

The country scored a low rating of 4 out of 10, falling below the benchmark of 7.29 set in the Malabo Declaration, which was supposed to be achieved by 2025.

Namibia acceded to the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Africa and committed to allocate at least 10 percent of its national budget to the agricultural sector to achieve six percent annual growth and attain food security.

Government brings services closer to Okaku residents 

The government has made considerable work in bringing services closer to the inhabitants of the Okaku Constituency in the Oshana Region.

Eighty-five percent of the residents in the constituency have access to clean drinking water.

The residents of Okaku will go to the polls on the 17th of this month, to elect a new regional councillor.

The position became vacant following the death of former councillor Gerson Kapenda last year.

Okaku is one of the largest constituencies in the Oshana Region.

!Hoachanas community unhappy with settlememt office

The community of !Hoachanas in the Hardap Region has expressed their dissatisfaction with the settlement office over what they termed a dysfunctional office and slow development.

To gain insight, the MICT Hardap team spoke with the Regional Councillor of Mariental Rural Constituency and the community.

The !Hoachanas residents say there are no new developments and the only business park and market in the resettlement are closed.

Namibia to achieve AU target of investing in Research and Experimental Development

Namibia is making progress toward the African Union target of investing 1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in research and experimental development.

Preliminary findings contained in the 2022 National Research and Experimental Development Survey indicate that 0.6% of the country's GDP is invested in research.

Stakeholders in science, technology, and innovation have gathered at Swakopmund to validate various reports.

Among those reports is the 2022 National Research and Experimental Development Survey, which provides indicators of technological change.

Maltahohe Community Development Forum members protest over lack of development

Members of the Maltahohe Community Development Forum handed over a petition to the Village Council,  in protest over the lack of development.

Some of the issues residents raised in the petition include the failure of the council to hold community meetings during the past 3 years, and nepotism which they say is becoming a daily occurrence in the village. 

The Chairperson of the Village Council Hanna Swartbooi received the petition.

The Maltahohe Community Development Forum has given the village council 21 days to respond to their demands.
 

Gam Development Organization advocating for development of the settlement

Since Gam was declared a settlement in 2011, development has taken shape, with the regional leadership optimistic that it could be declared a town in the near future.

Under the leadership of the Governor, the Gam Development Organization has been advocating for the development of the settlement under the leadership of the Governor.

James Uerikua, who was the chairperson of the organization at the time, had requested that the Roads Authority looks into the road infrastructure and how best it could be addressed in 2012.

Kunene Regional Council raises funds towards regional development programmes

The Kunene Regional Council raised over N$500 thousand towards the regional development fund at a dinner in Outjo. 

The Kunene Regional Development Fund was established 15 years ago with the purpose to solicit funds for learners in the Kunene Region who are from poor households.  

The fund financed 83 youths since its inception at a cost of N$285 thousand. 

Speaking at the dinner, the Chairperson of the Kunene Regional Council's Management Committee, Hendrik Gaobaeb said they aim to solicit more finances by initiating various fundraising activities.

Outapi Mayoral dinner raises funds towards development of its informal settlements  

The Outapi Mayoral Dinner has raised over half a million dollars towards the development of its informal settlements and the construction of an open market for vendors.
 
Currently, Outapi has a population of about 15,000 people, and the town continues to grow rapidly due to rural-urban migration.