Okongo councillor to tackle youth matters
ONGWEDIVA - The new Okongo councillor Efraim Lebeus (38) has vowed to tackle issues affecting the youth, food security as well as the water shortages in some parts of his constituency during his five-year reign.
Although he has not been active in politics, the former nurse stressed that politics runs through his blood being a son of a former war veteran.
He has been a nurse for 15 years at Olukula clinic before he took the councillor position last week.
Lebeus said he particularly contested for the councillor position in order to address challenges of unemployed by initiating projects that are geared to creating jobs for the young masses.
He added that his constituency is scattered with a combination of both unemployed graduates and those requiring skills.
“There has been an outcry of youthful leaders, as I begin my reign, I challenge the youths to bring their challenges to the table so that we steer youth development forward,” said Lebeus.
He added that much has already been done; however, there is a need to revive projects that have become redundant over the years to create employment.
Some of the projects he listed are the Onehanga, Omauni, Okongo quarantines.
He said a revamp of these projects would allow
for employment creation in the constituency.
“Some of these projects can be turned and extended into horticulture projects so that our people can produce their food and shortly we can address food shortages,” said Lebeus.
Also, the councillor said the San community crop fields also need to be fully utilised.
On the water shortages, Lebeus said only a few villages are still without water in Okongo.
He said there is plan drafted by former councillor Fanuel Ndadi to get the 20 remaining villages boreholes. Due to the nature of the constituency, all the residents source their water from the boreholes.
“Once we get the money next year, we will ensure that our people have water,” said Lebeus.