Kunene region: Traditional leaders in the Kunene Region have called for improved access to government services in remote communities, emphasizing challenges faced by residents in obtaining national identity documents, despite the milestones achieved since Namibia's independence.According to Namibia Press Agency, traditional leaders shared their perspectives as the country prepares to celebrate 36 years of independence. Chief Vemuii Tjambiru of the Otjikakurukouje Traditional Authority highlighted the significant improvements in the lives of many Namibians post-independence, particularly in social services.Chief Tjambiru noted advancements in healthcare, education, and social welfare programs compared to the pre-independence era. "Independence brought improvements such as better health services, schools, pensions for the elderly, and child grants, which support many families," he stated.However, Tjambiru expressed concerns that residents in remote mountainous areas of the Kunene Region still face challen ges accessing certain government services. He pointed out that many in settlements like Otjinungua and Otjavaja lack national identity documents due to the distance to service centers."Many people in our communities still do not have identification documents because they live far from towns where Home Affairs services are available, and there is often no transport for them to reach those places," he explained.He urged the government to bring services closer to rural communities by establishing offices of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in areas such as Etanga.Senior traditional councillor Kavari Muharukua of the Otjikaoko Traditional Authority also reflected on the transformative impact of independence. "Before independence, many Namibians were denied basic rights and opportunities under colonial and apartheid rule. Today people are free to vote, speak openly and take part in building the country," Muharukua remarked.He added that although Namibia has made significant pr ogress since gaining independence in 1990, more development is still needed in remote areas to ensure that all citizens benefit equally from the country's freedom and democracy.