Western Ohangwena wants own region because ‘services end in Eenhana’
Ohangwena residents are proposing that the region be split into two – one half to be called Okongo - due to sluggish development and a lack of basic services in the western parts of the region.
Residents raised these concerns during a consultation meeting with the Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission, arguing that government services do not reach most areas of the region, while inhabitants continue to live in poverty.
Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga said the concerned residents are calling for a new region because “most of the services end in Eenhana” and those living in the region are forced to travel there for any services they need. He added that the residents feel the new region will assist in accelerating developmental planning and strengthening governance at local authority and regional level.
“From Eenhana up until Okongo, the government services don’t reach there [quickly]. They also feel that if the region is split into two, other areas will get roads constructed faster. If it’s named Okongo regional capital, all government offices will go there, the people argued,” Ndeitunga said.
Avoid tribalism
He was quick to add that he has warned residents to avoid tribalism when dealing with borders and various constituencies.
“I would like to emphasise the importance of avoiding tribalism, regionalism and political affiliations when dealing with the borders of our region and different constituencies. Some people want the constituency adjusted but just for their tribes. We want to avoid this. Please make suggestions which consider the service to the community,” Ndeitunga said.
Regional consultations on the delimitation and demarcation of borders of the Ohangwena Region will be done in its 12 constituencies.
At the official opening of consultations last week, Ndeitunga appealed to all residents of the region to have the same understanding and be reminded of the importance of the exercise in regional and national development efforts.
He said President Nangolo Mbumba appointed the fifth Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Namibian Constitution and the Regional Councils Act.
The commission’s mandate includes conducting an assessment of the current boundaries of regions and constituencies, with a view to determine and recommend whether changes are required.
“So as can be seen from its mandate, the commission plays a crucial role in ensuring that our country is properly demarcated into regions, constituencies and local authorities. This exercise, which happens every five years, is vital in bringing government services closer to the population, ensuring access to quality services such as healthcare facilities, schools, roads and other essential amenities,” Ndeitunga said.
Residents raised these concerns during a consultation meeting with the Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission, arguing that government services do not reach most areas of the region, while inhabitants continue to live in poverty.
Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga said the concerned residents are calling for a new region because “most of the services end in Eenhana” and those living in the region are forced to travel there for any services they need. He added that the residents feel the new region will assist in accelerating developmental planning and strengthening governance at local authority and regional level.
“From Eenhana up until Okongo, the government services don’t reach there [quickly]. They also feel that if the region is split into two, other areas will get roads constructed faster. If it’s named Okongo regional capital, all government offices will go there, the people argued,” Ndeitunga said.
Avoid tribalism
He was quick to add that he has warned residents to avoid tribalism when dealing with borders and various constituencies.
“I would like to emphasise the importance of avoiding tribalism, regionalism and political affiliations when dealing with the borders of our region and different constituencies. Some people want the constituency adjusted but just for their tribes. We want to avoid this. Please make suggestions which consider the service to the community,” Ndeitunga said.
Regional consultations on the delimitation and demarcation of borders of the Ohangwena Region will be done in its 12 constituencies.
At the official opening of consultations last week, Ndeitunga appealed to all residents of the region to have the same understanding and be reminded of the importance of the exercise in regional and national development efforts.
He said President Nangolo Mbumba appointed the fifth Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Namibian Constitution and the Regional Councils Act.
The commission’s mandate includes conducting an assessment of the current boundaries of regions and constituencies, with a view to determine and recommend whether changes are required.
“So as can be seen from its mandate, the commission plays a crucial role in ensuring that our country is properly demarcated into regions, constituencies and local authorities. This exercise, which happens every five years, is vital in bringing government services closer to the population, ensuring access to quality services such as healthcare facilities, schools, roads and other essential amenities,” Ndeitunga said.
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