Kavango West Regional Council nears completion of major infrastructure projects

NKURENKURU, 26 JUL (NAMPA) - The Kavango West Regional Council is set to complete several key infrastructure developments during the current financial year, according to Regional Governor Verna Sinimbo.
Delivering her State of the Region Address at Nkurenkuru on Friday, Sinimbo said the 300-person conference hall at the Rupara Rural Development Centre is now complete and awaiting furniture procurement.
“Additionally, both the VIP and hostel accommodation facilities at the centre are expected to be completed within the current financial period,” the governor said.
The regional council office construction is also progressing well, with completion anticipated before the financial year ends.
Meanwhile, municipal services infrastructure development at Katwitwi settlement continues, with the sewer pump house renovation completed and access road construction to the reception area ongoing.
However, Sinimbo expressed concern over delays in settlement proclamations.
“The proclamation of Bunya, Mpungu, Ncamagoro, Rupara and Katjinakatji into settlements remains a priority. We urgently appeal to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to fast-track this long-overdue process.”
She highlighted that the council has demonstrated its commitment to human capital development by filling 23 positions, hiring 11 students under the internship programme, and recruiting 121 casual labourers during the review period. Four staff members also received financial assistance for studies.
Budgetary constraints, however, remain a significant challenge.
The governor noted that Katwitwi settlement has received less than N.dollars 1.5 million annually over the past three years, hampering essential infrastructure development required for its proposed upgrade to village council status.
“With 91 per cent of Kavango West Region being rural, we appeal for increased budget allocation to strengthen rural development efforts,” Sinimbo said.
The council further plans to launch a ‘One Constituency, One Initiative’ approach, encouraging communities to form cooperatives with access to agricultural land to promote growth, value addition, and sustainable livelihoods.
“This is our call to harness natural resources for shared prosperity,” Sinimbo concluded.
(NAMPA)
JLN/AS