IPC candidate spells out vision for Eengodi
OMUTHIYA - Independent Patriots for Change ( IPC) candidate for Eengod i constituency Hafeni Mwaetako has promised to tackle and resolve the perennial water problem in the area once elected regional councillor.
Mwaetako said he will ensure boreholes are drilled in areas where the water is fit for human consumption. Eengodi is one of the constituencies in the Oshikoto region where the community is facing acute water shortage.
The residents mainly depend on water from traditional wells for both human and animal consumption. “We have a few boreholes but only benefit a small portion, therefore as a councillor, I will make sure that wider communities also benefit from suitable water points,” he said.
He added the long-term solution would have to include sourcing water from the Okavango River, as many affected areas within the constituency are near the Kavango West region.
“We can’t let our people suffer 30 years after independence. Another issue on my agenda is addressing the poor road infrastructure. The constituency only has one road while the rest use access routes which are rough and sandy, making it extremely difficult for people to move around.”
He said a tarred road would be the ultimate solution to the current problem. “Imagine you find people travelling on sandy roads immediately from OmuthiyaGwiipundi to Ofilu, Ohamaye and other areas which stretch over 100 kilometres. This is very painful to see our people suffering like this, hence something must be done,” he said.
He also lamented the lack of health facilities in the areas, citing that the whole Eengodi constituency only has one clinic, thus many are forced to travel more than 20 kilometres and pay up to N$280 in transport fares.
“Now, how do you expect these people to provide for themselves when the little they have is chewed by transport. Don’t forget these are ultra low-income group people. Therefore, I will lobby so that we can build clinics in the area,” he stated. He further reasoned the provision of clinics will also help in job creation and provide better services to the community that is currently serviced through the monthly health outreach programme.