Okongo faces funding, land servicing challenges

**Max Henrich **

ONGWEDIVA- Okongo Village Council says limited funding, delays in land servicing and inadequate technical capacity are among the major challenges slowing the development of the growing village.

The council has identified the need for a change in mindset, stronger partnerships and increased investment to unlock Okongo’s development potential and improve service delivery.

Local economic development and communications officer, Joyce Ueitele, said that one of the key challenges is the slow development of plots allocated to individuals who have not started construction, limiting opportunities for applicants ready to invest. The council has revoked 131 plots for reallocation to applicants prepared to develop their land, in a move aimed at promoting productive land use and accelerating growth.

“Land servicing also remains a major obstacle, with some areas lacking essential infrastructure such as water, sewerage, electricity and roads. The compensation of traditional homesteads and agricultural fields in areas earmarked for development further delays housing initiatives, including those implemented through the Shack Dwellers Federation and Build Together,” she said.

She acknowledged that the council’s financial resources are insufficient to implement all the priorities outlined in its strategic plan at the desired pace.

“We are also facing staff and technical capacity constraints, despite having committed employees. Specialised services such as town planning, engineering and environmental impact assessments often have to be outsourced, placing additional pressure on the council’s limited resources,” she said.

She maintained that the availability of these skills in-house would improve project planning, implementation and monitoring while reducing reliance on external service providers.

To address these challenges, the council is calling for coordinated support from central government, the private sector, development partners and other local authorities.

The council has developed an Investment Prospectus and Strategic Plan outlining its priorities, investment opportunities and resource requirements.

“The council is seeking increased government funding for infrastructure upgrades, essential municipal services and land servicing to prepare residential, commercial and industrial plots for development,” she said.

Private investors are also being encouraged to explore opportunities in logistics, agro-processing, education, healthcare and agriculture, sectors identified as having potential to stimulate economic growth and create employment.

These investment priorities are aligned with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and are expected to support small and medium-sized enterprises while diversifying the local economy.

The council further sees cooperation agreements with other local authorities as an opportunity to share technical expertise, human resources and institutional experience to strengthen service delivery.

“Addressing the challenges would require effective land management, resolving compensation matters, mobilising financial resources and building stronger partnerships,” she said.

Through coordinated efforts, the council aims to accelerate infrastructure delivery, attract investment and create more opportunities for residents and businesses as Okongo continues to grow.

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