Oshakati: Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge has called for urgent government intervention to address critical development challenges faced by the region, warning that infrastructure constraints, youth unemployment, and funding delays continue to hinder progress. Delivering his State of the Region Address (SORA) on Monday, Iipinge said while Oshana had recorded notable achievements, significant obstacles remain and require strategic support from the central government.
According to Namibia Press Agency, among the region's top priorities is the long-awaited Ondangwa District Hospital project, which Iipinge described as one of the most critical healthcare infrastructure investments for northern Namibia. He said the health sector continues to face shortages of healthcare professionals in specialized fields, growing demand for services, high staff turnover, and periodic shortages of essential medicines. 'The successful completion of this project will significantly enhance healthcare access, reduce pressure on existing facilities, and improve service delivery for thousands of residents,' he said.
Iipinge also called for accelerated investment in road infrastructure, including the upgrading of key district roads and the eventual construction of a dual carriageway between Oshakati and Ondangwa. He said increasing economic activity, urbanization, and population growth had placed growing pressure on existing roads, making the corridor increasingly important as a commercial and administrative hub for northern Namibia.
He further highlighted growing pressure on water, sanitation, and bulk infrastructure caused by rapid urbanization. Several local authorities continue to struggle with wastewater treatment capacity, sewer reticulation systems, bulk water supply, and stormwater management infrastructure.
On housing, the governor said demand for serviced land and affordable housing continues to outstrip available resources despite ongoing efforts to allocate residential plots and upgrade informal settlements. Iipinge also identified youth unemployment as Oshana's biggest socio-economic challenge. 'Despite the creation of more than 1,000 employment opportunities during the reporting period, youth unemployment remains the greatest test of our generation. Unless we create opportunities for our young people, we risk undermining the very future we seek to build. Every job created is not merely a statistic, it restores dignity, inspires hope, and strengthens families. Therefore, addressing this challenge will require increased investment in entrepreneurship development, vocational training, agriculture, industrialization, and labor-intensive infrastructure programs,' he said.
He further raised concern over delays in the implementation of development projects, attributing them to funding limitations, procurement bottlenecks, and cash flow constraints. According to Iipinge, accelerating procurement processes, strengthening project monitoring, fully implementing decentralization policies, and ensuring the timely release of development funds would improve project delivery.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 financial year, Iipinge said the region's focus would shift from planning to implementation through guidance by the priorities of the eighth administration, the sixth National Development Plan, and the aspirations of the Oshana residents. 'In the year ahead, we commit ourselves to five actions - accelerate strategic infrastructure delivery, expand access to land, housing, and basic services, invest in people through education, health, and skills development, create jobs and strengthen local enterprise, and improve governance through accountability and implementation excellence,' he said.