Nkurenkuru: The Kavango West Regional Council is set to complete several key infrastructure developments during the current financial year, according to Regional Governor Verna Sinimbo. Delivering her State of the Region Address at Nkurenkuru on Friday, Sinimbo said the 300-person conference hall at the Rupara Rural Development Centre is now complete and awaiting furniture procurement.
According to Namibia Press Agency, both the VIP and hostel accommodation facilities at the centre are expected to be completed within the current financial period, as stated by the governor. The regional council office construction is also progressing well, with completion anticipated before the financial year ends.
Meanwhile, municipal services infrastructure development at Katwitwi settlement is ongoing, with the sewer pump house renovation completed and access road construction to the reception area in progress. However, Sinimbo expressed concern over delays in settlement proclamations, emphasizing the need for the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to expedite this process.
She highlighted the council's commitment to human capital development, noting the filling of 23 positions, the hiring of 11 students under an internship programme, and the recruitment of 121 casual labourers during the review period. Additionally, four staff members received financial assistance for studies.
Budgetary constraints remain a significant challenge, as Katwitwi settlement has received less than N.dollars 1.5 million annually over the past three years, affecting essential infrastructure development for its proposed upgrade to village council status. Sinimbo called for increased budget allocation to enhance rural development efforts in the region, which is predominantly rural.
The council plans to launch a 'One Constituency, One Initiative' approach, encouraging community cooperatives with access to agricultural land to promote growth and sustainable livelihoods. Sinimbo urged the community to harness natural resources for shared prosperity.