Omuthiya: Omuthiya Constituency Councillor Erastus Nekomba has expressed his readiness to tackle various persistent challenges, affecting residents this year. Nekomba, in an interview with Nampa on Friday, said issues such as water scarcity, lack of national identity documents, stalled development projects, and limited economic opportunities need collaborative and transparent approach, through partnerships with stakeholders, the government and the community.

According to Namibia Press Agency, water scarcity is identified as the most critical emergency facing the constituency. Residents and livestock are experiencing ongoing shortages, a problem that has plagued the broader Oshikoto Region during dry seasons. Nekomba mentioned that his office has already engaged private stakeholders to support government efforts, with proposed interventions such as drilling new boreholes, constructing earth dams, and upgrading traditional wells to modern standards.

Many community members reportedly lack essential national documents, hindering access to services and rights, which disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. Nekomba noted that his office has so far assisted six people, including two from the San community, in obtaining their documents with the help of the Ministry of Immigration.

Nekomba is also focused on accelerating the completion of several ongoing projects to ensure steady progress and tangible results for the community. He has engaged several stakeholders in bringing a tertiary institution to the area, though details remain pending until the initiative becomes a reality.

On the economic front, Nekomba is optimistic about empowering the local business community through targeted programmes in partnership with various ministries and agencies. He emphasized that capital projects in the constituency will prioritize local sub-contractors, aiming to keep economic benefits circulating within Omuthiya. He urged investors to explore potential opportunities in the constituency to spur further growth and create sustainable job opportunities.

Underlining his commitment to good governance, Nekomba pledged that his office will uphold high standards of transparency, with public hearings and consultations being central to all decision-making processes that affect the community. Public engagement and active participation are emphasized as foundational to their approach.