Eenhana: The Governor of the Ohangwena Region, Kadiva Hamutumua, has commended local authorities for accelerating infrastructure, housing, and sanitation projects, saying their efforts are transforming communities and improving residents' quality of life despite persistent challenges.
According to Namibia Press Agency, delivering her State of the Region Address (SORA) at Eenhana on Friday, Hamutumua said local authorities recorded significant achievements during the 2025/2026 financial year through investments in housing, roads, water, sanitation, and public infrastructure. She noted that the regional capital, Eenhana, "is not just growing; it is transforming, building a future of opportunities, dignity, and prosperity for its inhabitants."
Through partnerships aimed at expanding housing delivery, the town completed 90 new houses in Omhito and the Eenhana Extensions at a cost of N$50 million. A further 23 individual houses were constructed, bringing the total to 113 houses valued at more than N$63 million. Road infrastructure was also upgraded, with more than 1.1 kilometers of streets resurfaced, potholes repaired, and road markings completed under projects worth N$27 million.
To support future housing development, the council serviced 162 low-cost plots at Ekolola and commenced servicing 246 erven in Extensions 10 and 11. Hamutumua, however, acknowledged that the council continues to face challenges, including inadequate funding for land surveying and servicing, a shortage of office space, and overflowing oxidation ponds that require urgent intervention.
She said the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) disbursed housing loans worth N$4.2 million in Eenhana, enabling home renovations, upgrades, and affordable housing financing. According to the governor, the loans have improved living conditions for many families, while a demand assessment on 100 plots allocated by the Eenhana Town Council resulted in the launch of a 30-house project valued at N$3.7 million.
Hamutumua also highlighted progress by the Helao Nafidi Town Council, where road maintenance projects worth N$2.6 million have reached 95 percent completion. She said the electrification of Oshikango Extension Seven, implemented in partnership with NamPower, is 98 percent complete and is expected to provide electricity to more than 440 erven, benefiting nearly 500 households.
The town council has also completed street lighting along the Engela-Omafo road to improve public safety and finalized an in-house water reticulation system linking Engela, Omafo, and Onhuno. In addition, the construction of the Omafo business expo pavilion has reached 40 percent completion, while a N$1.6 million stormwater channel in Ohangwena has been completed.
Hamutumua said construction of a home affairs office and an ablution facility has reached 90 percent completion, while the surveying of Ohangwena Extensions One to Three has also been completed. At Okongo, she said the village council strengthened its financial position through improved revenue collection and invested in roads, water, sanitation, and electrification.
According to the governor, 1.9 kilometers of roads have been upgraded to gravel standard, while water and sewer infrastructure in Block 103 has reached 98 percent completion. "The council laid 850 meters of water pipelines and 300 meters of sewer reticulation lines, installed nine manholes, and connected 25 erven to essential services," she said. Hamutumua added that electrification of Block 103, valued at N$3.1 million, is 98 percent complete, while associated roadworks are 55 percent complete and expected to improve access within the developing area.