Kunene grapples with network and water challenges

OUTJO – The Kunene regional leadership say the region was still grappling with water, cellular network, sanitation and electricity challenges, which hinder the timely delivery of services.

The issues were presented to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila during a consultative meeting held in Outjo recently with the representatives of government offices, ministries and agencies.

During the meeting, acting chief regional officer Emilia Alweendo indicated 69% of the population had access to potable water.

However, close to 65% do not have proper ablution facilities, while the regional council was also trying to eliminate the bucket system at Fransfontein.

“Children in rural areas do not know what electricity is, you have to drive to the nearest school to relay a message to community due to lack of network infrastructure,” she told the PM.

Alweendo also said the region should be considered in terms of resources allocation, considering its uniqueness.

She noted that government offices, ministries and agencies are faced with staff shortages, while a lack of equipment at health centres was another perennial problem.

“If the region can be capacitated [with health equipment], more lives could be saved,” she indicated

Alweendo also added the region’s

challenges are compounded by external factors such as the vastness, as most inhabitants are scattered and not living close to each other. The region, moreover, has difficult terrains.

She also said the region was considering acquiring its own drilling ridge to avoid high costs charged by private contractors

when drilling boreholes in the region. To this, KuugongelwaAmadhila welcomed the proposal but suggested it should thoughtthrough to avoid failure.

“The idea is appealing but in order to succeed, it needs proper planning. A good idea not properly executed may fail,” she said. The PM highlighted government

was working on the economy recovery plan to see what alternative ways to render services to people.

She also indicated that the criteria of resource allocation should be discussed.

Kuugongelwa- Amadhila emphasised government’s budget is swallowed up by operational budget.

Seeking solutions… Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, governor of Kunene Marius Sheya (right), Outjo councillor Johannes Antsino (left) and other staff after the consultative meeting.