Opuwo: Members of the Ovahimba community say Namibia's independence has improved access to education, healthcare, and social support in rural communities, but challenges such as unemployment persist in remote areas.According to Namibia Press Agency, community members interviewed in Opuwo and surrounding villages highlighted that government programs introduced after Namibia gained its independence in 1990 have helped reduce hardship and improve living conditions, especially for rural families that previously had limited access to basic services.Karitunua Hepute, a mother of four from a village outside Opuwo, said social grants, schools, and clinics have made a significant difference in her household. Hepute mentioned that the support she receives allows her to provide food for her children and ensure they attend school regularly. Like many families in rural areas, she relies on social protection programs such as child grants to support her household.Community members say such programs have become a lifel ine for vulnerable families, particularly those without stable income, helping to reduce poverty and improve child welfare. Traditional leaders in the region also recognize the progress made since independence. Chief Vemuii Tjambiru of the Otjikakurukouje Traditional Authority said communities now have access to services that were once out of reach. He pointed to improvements in education, healthcare, social welfare systems, and mobile communication networks as key achievements.However, Tjambiru noted that not all areas benefit equally, as some remote villages still lack reliable mobile network coverage and access to essential services. He stressed the need for continued efforts to ensure equal development across all communities. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between government institutions and traditional authorities, saying such partnerships are crucial in ensuring that development initiatives reach the people who need them most.At the community level, local leaders say development pr ojects have already made a noticeable impact. Hiandera Muhenje, headman of Otjitanda village, highlighted the establishment of a local school as a major milestone for his community. Muhenje explained that the presence of a nearby school has improved attendance and made it easier for parents to send their children to class. He added that access to education is key to improving the prospects of young people in the village.Despite these positive developments, Muhenje said significant challenges remain, particularly in more remote areas. Access to healthcare services continues to be a major concern for many communities. Muhenje noted that people in his village still travel long distances to reach the nearest clinic, with some covering up to 60 kilometers to access medical care. This situation poses serious difficulties for elderly residents, pregnant women, and children, who often struggle to reach healthcare facilities in time.Community members also identified unemployment as a pressing issue affecting many households. While development has improved access to services, economic opportunities remain limited in rural areas, leaving many people without stable sources of income. Most people were of the opinion that addressing unemployment and expanding economic opportunities should be a priority in future development efforts.Many also pointed out that although government services have expanded, infrastructure development has not reached all villages equally, resulting in uneven access to resources and opportunities. Despite these challenges, there is a strong sense of optimism among community members, who expressed the hope that continued government investment and development programs will gradually improve conditions in rural areas.They believe that the progress made since independence in 1990 demonstrates the potential for further improvement if development efforts continue to focus on underserved communities. As Namibia prepares to celebrate its 35th independence anniversary on 21 March, many Ovahimba residen ts view independence as a symbol of both progress and possibility. While acknowledging the challenges that remain, they say the changes experienced over the years have brought tangible benefits and improved their quality of life.For them, independence represents not only freedom but also the ongoing journey toward inclusive development and equal access to opportunities for all Namibians.