On the spot – Kathindi outlines Oshikoto’s vision for water security, growth

The Oshikoto region is pursuing an ambitious development agenda centred on water security, infrastructure expansion, agriculture, education and economic empowerment, as it seeks to address longstanding challenges affecting communities.

Governor Sacky Kathindi, in an exclusive interview with New Era’s senior sports journalist Limba Mupetami, says the region’s development priorities are informed by extensive consultations and the needs of its people.

Among the major projects underway are road construction, telecommunications expansion, water infrastructure upgrades and housing development. However, the Governor acknowledges that delayed payments, difficult ground conditions and limited funding continue to affect the implementation of some projects.

The construction of the DR3654 Omuthiya to Elambo Road is underway, while design and demining activities for the Onyati, Onyuulaye to Onkumbula Road have been completed. The appointment of a contractor for the latter project is in progress.

According to Kathindi, these roads will improve connectivity between rural communities and the national road network, making it easier for residents to access schools, clinics, markets and other essential services.

The region has also identified five priority areas for network tower installations: Ongoololo in Omuntele, Okashana Kiitembu Village in Eengodi, Oshipya Marula/Faalwater along DR3001 in Guinas, Ihuhwa Yandundu Village in Onyaanya and Onuugonya Village in Omuthiya.

Improved telecommunications coverage is expected to strengthen communication, support education and facilitate economic activity, particularly among young people seeking digital business opportunities.

Water infrastructure remains another major investment area. Work is underway to upgrade bulk water supply infrastructure from Oshakati to Oshikoto, including improvements to storage, distribution and reliability.

However, several projects have experienced delays. Sewer and water infrastructure at Nomtsoub Extension 9 in Tsumeb is approximately 66% complete, while roads and stormwater drainage at the same location are approximately 40% complete.

Kathindi says the projects have been affected by delayed payments to contractors, hard rock conditions and inadequate site access. The water reticulation project at Kuvukiland in Tsumeb has faced similar challenges, compounded by construction in an inhabited area.

“We continue to work with the relevant institutions and stakeholders to address implementation constraints and ensure that projects are completed and deliver the intended benefits to communities,” he says.

Water remains the foremost priority

Oshikoto has identified seven key development priorities: water, agriculture, network connectivity, education, roads, health, and security and justice.

Water remains the region’s most pressing challenge, particularly in communities east of Omuthiya, where low pipeline pressure and saline underground water affect supply.

For the 2026/27 financial year, borehole drilling and installation have been prioritised in 12 areas in Nehale lya Mpingana and Guinas, including Oshima West, Ongombehupa, Onghuumbwa, Ohainghete South, Oshiwambi South, Ondjamba, Alilo Post, Ambido Post, Okatope ka Haihonya Tesinki, Uukule, Bravo Gate and Amalyanga.

Four mini desalination plants have been completed in Eengodi at Onelago, Otatashe, Akazulu and Oshikondailwa. These facilities provide an important solution for communities affected by saline water.

The region is also improving the Oniimbwele Reservoir and has identified two boreholes at Oshivelo to strengthen water supply to Oshivelo, King Kauluma and surrounding communities. Booster pumps at Akaonde, Ombundu Ambende and Onamutenya, as well as the rehabilitation of earth dams and traditional wells, form part of the broader response.

Kathindi says the region has mobilised approximately N$6.4 million from the Environmental Investment Fund to address immediate water challenges.

zIn addition, Namport has provided N$2.86 million towards critical water interventions.

The long-term objective is to ensure that every household has access to clean, reliable and sustainable water.

Housing and rural electrification

Housing remains a significant challenge, particularly for low-income households struggling to access commercial housing finance. The Regional Council has budgeted N$4.5 million for development at Oshigambo, Tsintsabis, Onayena and Oshivelo settlements.

Planning for Oshigambo Proper is approximately 98% complete, with surveying at 50%. Planning for Tsintsabis Proper and Onayena Extension 2 is also approximately 98% complete, while planning and surveying for Erf 181 in Oshivelo Proper is approximately 95% complete.

Through the Decentralised Build Together Programme, seven low-income houses have been completed and handed over in Oshivelo, with 15 additional houses planned for the current financial year. In Tsumeb, 32 Build Together houses are being constructed at Nomtsoub Extension 8 at a cost of approximately N$2.26 million.

Land administration has also progressed, with nine farms assessed and demarcated for land acquisition and resettlement during the 2025/26 financial year. A total of 933 customary land rights were registered, while 863 customary land right certificates were issued to the Ondonga Traditional Authority for distribution.

Rural electrification is another important component of inclusive development. The Solar Revolving Fund has supported the electrification of 41 households, comprising 32 solar connections and nine grid connections. Nored has connected 108 customers at the Onandjamba Cuca Shop, while the Onakandjani Centre was at the procurement stage for an additional 35 connections.

Kathindi says access to electricity will improve household living conditions, support education and enable businesses to operate more efficiently.

Agriculture and youth empowerment

Kathindi believes agriculture and agro-processing offer some of the greatest opportunities for Oshikoto’s economic growth. The region aims to move beyond primary production towards processing, packaging, branding and market access.

During his tenure, 6 900 hectares were ploughed and 248 hectares ripped, benefiting approximately 3 750 farmers. The region is also promoting feedlots, agricultural value addition and greater participation by young people. Youth unemployment remains a concern, and the region is responding through skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture and access to finance.

The National Youth Development Fund provides support for viable businesses and income-generating projects.

The Regional Council allocated N$130 000 to strengthen start-up enterprises, while 32 MSME owners in Onayena, Onyaanya and Omuntele received Business Development Skills training.

Seven Oshikoto MSMEs benefited from the Equipment Aid Scheme, receiving equipment valued at approximately N$1.2 million.

Young people are encouraged to participate in crop production, horticulture, poultry, livestock, processing, packaging and marketing. Practical skills training has also been provided in areas such as dishwashing liquid production, paper beads and perfumes.

“Our objective is to ensure that young people are not only looking for employment, but are also equipped and supported to become entrepreneurs, producers and employers,” Kathindi says.

Achievements and future vision

Kathindi says one of the administration’s major achievements has been the establishment of a clear development agenda based on community needs.

In education, learner enrolment increased from 84 052 in 2025 to 87 523 in 2026. The number of NSSCAS schools increased from 11 to 13, while the NSSCAS qualification rate improved from 37.7% in 2024 to 41% in 2025.

The Engoyi to Omuntele Road has been completed, while work on the Omuntele to Onanke section continues. Construction of the Omuthiya to Elambo Road has also commenced.

The region has recorded investment in health infrastructure, including the completion and inauguration of the modern maternity ward at Onandjokwe. The commencement of the Omuthiya Magistrate’s Court is another important development, bringing justice services closer to residents.

Despite these achievements, the Governor says water scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, education challenges, healthcare needs, limited network connectivity and rising crime remain significant concerns.

Oshikoto recorded a 35.5% increase in reported crime in 2025/26 compared with 2024/25, including increases in rape and drug-related cases.

Looking ahead, Kathindi envisions an Oshikoto that is inclusive and prosperous, where every community has access to basic services and economic opportunities.

If resources were unlimited, his three priorities would be universal water security, an integrated agricultural and agro-processing economy, and infrastructure and human capital development, particularly in roads, education, healthcare, digital connectivity and skills development.

He says his desired legacy is one of visible, inclusive and sustainable development.

“Ultimately, the legacy I want to leave is an Oshikoto that is stronger, more connected, more prosperous and better prepared for the future than the one I inherited,” he concluded.

*-lmupetami@nepc.com.na *

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