Hamata vows to address urgent needs in Ohangwena
Advocating for change
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Hidipo Hamata says the needs of the Ohangwena Region have been 'consistently overlooked'.
Reflecting on his challenging journey to parliament, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Hidipo Hamata says that overcoming obstacles has only strengthened his resolve to serve as a voice for the voiceless.
Speaking to Namibian Sun on Tuesday, Hamata acknowledged the difficulties faced along the way, vowing to address the overlooked needs of northern Namibia, particularly the long-neglected Ohangwena Region.
"Even through those challenges, I remained steadfast, driven by my commitment to serve the people and my belief in the values of the PDM," he said.
Hamata’s parliamentary efforts have focused heavily on addressing the challenges faced by residents of northern Namibia, particularly in the Ohangwena Region. One of his major motions calls for the urgent tapping of the Ohangwena Aquifer 2, a resource that remains underutilised despite over 245 000 residents suffering from chronic water shortages.
"The aquifer is a lifeline that remains untapped while our people suffer. Immediate action is needed to access this vital resource."
Hard at work
Another key proposal from Hamata advocates for creating a local market dedicated to communal farmers north of the colonial-era red line. Despite owning significant livestock, farmers face limited market access. Hamata proposed replacing Meatco with a new agency focused on supporting communal farmers and expanding market opportunities.
"It is troubling that despite being represented by many members of parliament, the needs of the Ohangwena Region have been consistently overlooked," he said, noting that the region has produced numerous MPs and even a former President, yet continues to lag behind in development.
"We cannot continue with business as usual when our people have resources, such as fertile land and water, yet continue to languish in poverty. Under PDM, we are committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the people of Ohangwena no longer suffer from neglect,” he said.
Hamata has emerged as one of the most active MPs within the PDM, tabling several key motions aimed at addressing critical issues.
"I am proud to have been recognised as one of the most active MPs, having tabled significant motions that push for tangible change, especially for marginalised and underserved communities. These achievements are not just personal victories but victories for every Namibian whose voice I carry in parliament,” he said.
Legal fight
In 2020, Hamata and fellow PDM member Charmaine Tjirare filed an urgent application in the High Court over their exclusion from the party’s list of MPs to be sworn into the new National Assembly.
The legal dispute centred around the PDM’s deviation from the list originally gazetted by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) before the 2019 general election.
The High Court ruled in their favour, concluding that political parties cannot arbitrarily change their list of parliamentary candidates after an election. This judgment reaffirmed the authority of the Electoral Act and clarified that the ECN lacks the power to amend candidate lists after an election has been held.
‘Far from over’
Looking forward, Hamata remains focused on advocating for policies that uplift all Namibians, with a particular emphasis on education, youth empowerment and economic development.
"I plan to continue driving initiatives that bridge the gap between rural and urban development, ensuring that government accountability and transparency are at the forefront of our work,” he said.
"My journey is far from over. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring about the changes that our people deserve. I believe that by working together with my colleagues, we can build a better Namibia for all,” he added.
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Speaking to Namibian Sun on Tuesday, Hamata acknowledged the difficulties faced along the way, vowing to address the overlooked needs of northern Namibia, particularly the long-neglected Ohangwena Region.
"Even through those challenges, I remained steadfast, driven by my commitment to serve the people and my belief in the values of the PDM," he said.
Hamata’s parliamentary efforts have focused heavily on addressing the challenges faced by residents of northern Namibia, particularly in the Ohangwena Region. One of his major motions calls for the urgent tapping of the Ohangwena Aquifer 2, a resource that remains underutilised despite over 245 000 residents suffering from chronic water shortages.
"The aquifer is a lifeline that remains untapped while our people suffer. Immediate action is needed to access this vital resource."
Hard at work
Another key proposal from Hamata advocates for creating a local market dedicated to communal farmers north of the colonial-era red line. Despite owning significant livestock, farmers face limited market access. Hamata proposed replacing Meatco with a new agency focused on supporting communal farmers and expanding market opportunities.
"It is troubling that despite being represented by many members of parliament, the needs of the Ohangwena Region have been consistently overlooked," he said, noting that the region has produced numerous MPs and even a former President, yet continues to lag behind in development.
"We cannot continue with business as usual when our people have resources, such as fertile land and water, yet continue to languish in poverty. Under PDM, we are committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the people of Ohangwena no longer suffer from neglect,” he said.
Hamata has emerged as one of the most active MPs within the PDM, tabling several key motions aimed at addressing critical issues.
"I am proud to have been recognised as one of the most active MPs, having tabled significant motions that push for tangible change, especially for marginalised and underserved communities. These achievements are not just personal victories but victories for every Namibian whose voice I carry in parliament,” he said.
Legal fight
In 2020, Hamata and fellow PDM member Charmaine Tjirare filed an urgent application in the High Court over their exclusion from the party’s list of MPs to be sworn into the new National Assembly.
The legal dispute centred around the PDM’s deviation from the list originally gazetted by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) before the 2019 general election.
The High Court ruled in their favour, concluding that political parties cannot arbitrarily change their list of parliamentary candidates after an election. This judgment reaffirmed the authority of the Electoral Act and clarified that the ECN lacks the power to amend candidate lists after an election has been held.
‘Far from over’
Looking forward, Hamata remains focused on advocating for policies that uplift all Namibians, with a particular emphasis on education, youth empowerment and economic development.
"I plan to continue driving initiatives that bridge the gap between rural and urban development, ensuring that government accountability and transparency are at the forefront of our work,” he said.
"My journey is far from over. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring about the changes that our people deserve. I believe that by working together with my colleagues, we can build a better Namibia for all,” he added.
[email protected]
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