Sitopogo:Sitopogo Village The Efundo riverside projects, initiated in the village of Sitopogo within the Kavango West Region, have evolved from a simple plan to establish a guesthouse and rest camp into a broader initiative that now includes a fish farm.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Sikongo Joseph Sivaku, a 33-year-old teacher and musician, is the driving force behind these projects. He has largely financed the efforts himself, with assistance from local youth, and he is actively seeking further support for future development stages.
Sivaku's vision is rooted in his love for nature and his upbringing by the river. He aims to attract tourists to the village, create job opportunities for young people, and increase the visibility of the village and the Kavango West Region. Securing permission for the guesthouse and rest camp from the village headman, Paulinus Kauma, and the traditional authority in 2022, Sivaku began the project with local youth, using his own funds to purchase materials and construct the site.
The initial group involved seven young men, with more joining in at different times. They undertook tasks such as laying water pipes and planting vegetation, with materials sourced from Rundu and Kandjimi Murangi Secondary School. While the site now features a lawn, plants, toilets, and a fire stand, activity remains sporadic, with occasional parties and wedding photoshoots providing some income.
Sivaku compensates the young workers when possible, often with small payments or goods like soap. Despite facing challenges such as burst pipes, cattle, and hippos damaging the site, and no funding from government or private bodies, he continues to persevere.
The fish farm, initiated in April 2026, aims to cultivate tilapia, also locally known as Kavango bream, for sale. Sivaku hopes this venture will generate employment and alleviate poverty by supplying food. He has encountered difficulties in excavating the fishpond due to hard soil, requiring additional labor and resources to soften it.
Further progress on the fish farm is contingent on acquiring water and equipment, including pumps and generators. Following a visit from the Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo's office, Sivaku was encouraged to provide quotations for the necessary materials.
Sivaku aspires to expand these projects, creating more opportunities for local youth. His message to them emphasizes perseverance and commitment to their dreams, even in the absence of initial capital.