Basic services key to Okongo’s growth: Lebeus

OSHAKATI, 27 MAR (NAMPA) – Chairperson of the Ohangwena Regional Council, Efraim Lebeus said access to basic services will be central to Okongo’s growth, as the village sets its development priorities under the newly launched five-year strategic plan for 2025-2030.
Lebeus, at the launch of the strategic plan on Thursday, emphasised that infrastructure such as roads, water, sanitation and electricity remain critical to unlocking development and improving livelihoods, through its strategic pillars.
They include infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, land and effective service delivery, socio-economic development, good governance and financial sustainability.
“These pillars speak directly to the heart of development. They recognise that roads, water, sanitation and electricity are not luxuries but are the foundation upon which dignity, investment and opportunity are built,” Lebeus said.
He pointed out that the plan aligns with national development frameworks such as Vision 2030, National Development Plans (NDP6) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to ensure that Okongo is not developing in isolation, but as part of a coordinated national and global effort to eradicate poverty, improve access to basic services, promote sustainable urban development, strengthen governance and accountability.
“This kind of coordinated, integrated planning should be encouraged across all sectors in the region if we want to achieve reflective results,” he said.
Okongo Village Council chairperson Tuhafeni Shapopi emphasised that the plan reflects contributions from various stakeholders, including residents, business owners, traditional leaders and the youth.
He said the launch is a defining milestone for the village, as the plan signals a commitment by the council to deliver development that responds to the needs of the people.
“As the leadership of Okongo we believe in deliberate and inclusive planning to achieve our targets. Therefore, by launching this strategic plan, we are stepping forward to improve the well-being of our community in so many ways as guided by the plan,” Shapopi stressed.
(NAMPA)
HE/EK/PS