Popular Democratic Movement (PDM)s Uakaisiua Melchizedek Muharukua was on Thursday sworn in as councilor for the Opuwo rural constituency.
This follows his victory during the Opuwo rural constituency by-election held on 02 July, which was necessitated by the death of Cornelius Kakuva of PDM in April this year.
Muharukua garnered 2 330 votes out of the total 3 451 votes cast and defeated Swapo party candidate Kazepanda Tjambiru who came second with 485 votes.
National Unity Democratic Organization’s candidate Heinz Maundu received 414, while Rally for Democracy and Progress candidate Kaiho Rikambura got 142 and Kaihepere Tjituri of the Independent Patriot for Change got 80 votes.
Muharukua, a businessman-cum-politician took his oath at the Kunene Regional Council headquarters in Opuwo where District Magistrate Eliud Nakulonda of the Opuwo Magistrate’s Court, presided over the ceremony.
Nakulonda cautioned Muharukua to serve all the people fairly regardless of their political affiliates, saying that politics should be set aside for the betterment of the whole constituency and the region in general.
“Muhuarukua should commit himself to solve all people’s problems, needs and aspirations,” Nakulonda said.
In his acceptance remarks, Muharukua promised to address the needs of the masses without fear and favour while urging unity amongst fellow councillors.
“The growth of the region will only be attained if the regional leadership pulls in the same direction with the aim to transform Kunene into a prosperous region,” he said.
Muharukua was also elected as a new member of the management committee replacing the late Kakuva.
Speaking at the same event, Sesfontein constituency councillor and Kunene Regional Council management committee chairperson Hendrik Gaobaeb said the nation has scarce resources and therefore advised Muharukua to make sure that everyone benefits from the little there is.
“You should not feel like an outsider in the regional council, but serve your people with honour and dignity,” he advised.
Muharukua will serve in his new position until 2024 when Namibians will go to the polls to vote for new regional and local authority councillors.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
