Kavango West constituency engagement meetings conclude in Tondoro

NKURENKURU, 20 JUN (NAMPA) - The Kavango West Regional Council leadership concluded its constituency visitation programme in Tondoro on Thursday, after two weeks of extensive consultations across all eight constituencies in the region.
The programme was aimed at assessing living conditions and gathering direct feedback on local challenges and development needs from the community.
Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo during the engagement thanked community members for their openness.
“Only when we hear from you, can we work according to your needs,” she said.
She emphasised that government plans are progressing and urged residents to be patient as implementation takes time.
“Let us be patient while we bring the services you need,” Sinimbo added before reaffirming the leadership’s commitment to improving livelihoods.
Throughout the regional tour, recurring concerns emerged. Residents cited long distances to healthcare, with some walking over 30 kilometres. Other pressing issues included poor road infrastructure, unreliable telecommunications, erratic water and electricity supply, and unsafe school distances, with children travelling over 10 kilometres daily to get to school.
Safety also came under the spotlight. Kavango West Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo acknowledged limited police vehicles and encouraged residents to contact her directly in emergencies.
“My phone sleeps under my pillow, call me anytime,” she said.
She warned the public about cyber-related crimes, noting that two cases have already been recorded.
“These criminals may pretend to be me and ask for banking details. Be alert,” she cautioned.
She also urged community members to ensure that their livestock do not endanger road users.
During the Ncamagoro engagement, Chairperson of the National Council, Lucas Sinimbo Muha, cautioned against divisive practices like tribalism and regionalism.
“All people must be equal before the law. No person may be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, or colour,” Muha stated, calling for national unity and tolerance.
The regional leadership however cited limited financial resources as a major barrier to addressing challenges. However, they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community-based initiatives such as goat rearing, horticulture, and woodcarving, aimed at reducing poverty and boosting local economies.
Meanwhile, the youth raised strong concerns about unemployment, particularly the recruitment of workers from outside the region. They urged leaders to prioritise local youth in recruitment.
(NAMPA)
JLN/AS