Kathindi pledges economic transformation for Oshikoto
Vows to help farmers
With the region facing challenges such as a lack of access roads, limited access to potable water in some villages and inadequate infrastructure, Kathindi said addressing these issues will require a collective effort.
Newly appointed Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has prioritised the establishment of a public abattoir, job creation through youth cooperatives and increased food production as key focus areas during his tenure.
These are just some of the key priority areas he outlined this week during the official handover ceremony of the Oshikoto regional governor's office at Omuthiya.
Kathindi replaces Penda Ya Ndakolo, who served as regional governor since 2020.
Kathindi, who will serve approximately 260 000 residents, said he will also ensure the implementation of the Swapo Party manifesto.
He also highlighted that transforming agriculture by empowering farmers will be one of the main focus areas of his office.
“We will provide targeted support to our farmers, including access to modern equipment, quality seeds and comprehensive training programmes,” he said.
Moreover, he praised Ondonga Traditional Authority leader Omukwanilwa Fillemon Shuumba Nangolo for allocating land dedicated to agricultural production at Okashana to enhance food production.
“I am reliably informed that these farms will mass-produce foods such as maize, mahangu and vegetables. Due to irregular rainfall, farmers will need to invest in sustainable irrigation systems which enable year-round cultivation, mitigating the risks associated with erratic rainfall,” he said.
“Under my leadership I will ensure that I work closely with the government sector to support these farmers and others in the region so that our region can produce its own sufficient food in the next five years.”
Development goals
Kathindi noted that the Oshikoto region lacks a public abattoir, emphasising the need to establish one to add value to the livestock industry. He said setting it up near Omanghetti would create jobs and increase revenue.
Kathindi’s third major priority is the development of ecotourism.
He noted that although the Oshikoto region is home to Etosha National Park, it is not benefitting as much as it could from this national treasure.
By promoting community-based tourism initiatives, Kathindi said, employment opportunities can be created while empowering local artisans and entrepreneurs.
He added that showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage would offer tourists a unique experience and further stimulate the local economy.
With the region facing challenges such as a lack of access roads, limited access to potable water in some villages, and inadequate infrastructure, Kathindi said addressing these issues will require a collective effort.
“We are committed to improving our healthcare and educational systems, as well as upgrading our infrastructure. I acknowledge that these challenges cannot be overcome overnight,” he added.
"Together, let us harness our region's potential, uplift our communities, and build Oshikoto that offers prosperity and opportunity for all its residents.”
[email protected]
These are just some of the key priority areas he outlined this week during the official handover ceremony of the Oshikoto regional governor's office at Omuthiya.
Kathindi replaces Penda Ya Ndakolo, who served as regional governor since 2020.
Kathindi, who will serve approximately 260 000 residents, said he will also ensure the implementation of the Swapo Party manifesto.
He also highlighted that transforming agriculture by empowering farmers will be one of the main focus areas of his office.
“We will provide targeted support to our farmers, including access to modern equipment, quality seeds and comprehensive training programmes,” he said.
Moreover, he praised Ondonga Traditional Authority leader Omukwanilwa Fillemon Shuumba Nangolo for allocating land dedicated to agricultural production at Okashana to enhance food production.
“I am reliably informed that these farms will mass-produce foods such as maize, mahangu and vegetables. Due to irregular rainfall, farmers will need to invest in sustainable irrigation systems which enable year-round cultivation, mitigating the risks associated with erratic rainfall,” he said.
“Under my leadership I will ensure that I work closely with the government sector to support these farmers and others in the region so that our region can produce its own sufficient food in the next five years.”
Development goals
Kathindi noted that the Oshikoto region lacks a public abattoir, emphasising the need to establish one to add value to the livestock industry. He said setting it up near Omanghetti would create jobs and increase revenue.
Kathindi’s third major priority is the development of ecotourism.
He noted that although the Oshikoto region is home to Etosha National Park, it is not benefitting as much as it could from this national treasure.
By promoting community-based tourism initiatives, Kathindi said, employment opportunities can be created while empowering local artisans and entrepreneurs.
He added that showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage would offer tourists a unique experience and further stimulate the local economy.
With the region facing challenges such as a lack of access roads, limited access to potable water in some villages, and inadequate infrastructure, Kathindi said addressing these issues will require a collective effort.
“We are committed to improving our healthcare and educational systems, as well as upgrading our infrastructure. I acknowledge that these challenges cannot be overcome overnight,” he added.
"Together, let us harness our region's potential, uplift our communities, and build Oshikoto that offers prosperity and opportunity for all its residents.”
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article