Nkurenkuru: Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo announced that more than N.dollars 70 million has been allocated to education and energy infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing learning conditions and expanding electricity access throughout the region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Sinimbo, during her State of the Region Address (SORA) in Nkurenkuru on Friday, detailed ongoing initiatives including the first phase of upgrading Bravo Boarding School, expected to be completed by May 2027, and the construction of a new primary school in Maporeza, located in the Nkurenkuru Constituency. Additional investments are being made in classroom blocks, laboratories, libraries, and ablution facilities at various schools, including Cause and Gava primary schools in Mpungu Constituency, Mburuuru Primary School in Tondoro, Rupara Combined School and Gcwagi Primary School in Musese, Katjinakatji Secondary School in Mankumpi, Sharukwe Combined School in Ncuncuni, and Nakazaza Combined School in Kapako.
The governor highlighted that the Basic Education Fund continues to support infrastructure upgrades, and that two new boreholes have been installed at Katjinakatji Secondary School to provide water to the hostel. "These investments directly contribute to improved educational outcomes and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged because of inadequate infrastructure," Sinimbo stated. Kavango West currently accommodates more than 55,000 learners across 188 schools.
On the energy front, Sinimbo mentioned that electrification projects by NamPower and the Ministry of Mines and Energy at Nkurenkuru Extension 10, Rupara locality, and Sikondo Village Phases 1 and 2 have led to 184 new household connections and the creation of 44 temporary jobs. Additional electrification efforts are in progress at Maporeza Phases 1 and 2 and the Rupara Shack Dwellers area, aiming to connect over 1,300 households to the electrical grid.
She further noted that the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED) has invested in the protection of equipment, the replacement of critical components, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, and streetlights, in addition to providing internships for vocational students. "Investment in energy infrastructure is ultimately an investment in jobs, productivity, and economic growth," Sinimbo remarked.