Leaders reach out to residents in Namibia’s poorest region
Amid the stark reality of poverty that continues to define life in Kavango West, regional leaders on Monday visited Mpungu constituency as part of a 10-day outreach programme aimed at accelerating development efforts.
A Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) report found that the region has the highest rate of multidimensional poverty in the country – estimated at 79.6% – placing Kavango West at the bottom of the national index.
The visit, led by the Kavango West Regional Council and involving several government ministries, highlighted both long-standing challenges and ongoing projects meant to uplift the region’s struggling communities.
Regional director of planning, development, monitoring and evaluation Egidius Nambara told residents on Monday that a water pipeline from Rundu to Mpungu, as well as another line to Mururwani, was in the works to ensure access to clean water.
Plans for a canal to reach smaller and more remote villages were also announced.
In the agriculture sector, a 20 000-hectare green scheme is being developed under the agriculture ministry, while ten goat farming initiatives in Mpungu are already receiving support from the directorate of rural development.
“These are not just food projects – they are about livelihoods and local economies,” Nambara said.
Make development a reality
Infrastructure and health service gaps remain a concern. Nambara noted the long-standing delays in constructing the intermediate hospital at Nkurenkuru, first proposed during former President Hifikepunye Pohamba's tenure. Expansion of rural clinics is also planned.
Only seven kilometres remain for the rehabilitation of the Curry Cutline road, a key route connecting villages to the B10 highway. Electrification of public schools, along with neighbouring villages, is underway, while ageing infrastructure continues to contribute to regular power outages.
The region’s Mpungu ICT Centre, operational since 2018, continues to serve the youth but remains under-resourced, with only one volunteer currently managing operations.
Residents raised complaints around crime, lack of identity documents and poor public service. Police commissioner Julia Sikuwa Neo urged closer cooperation between communities and law enforcement.
Governor Verna Sinimbo called for accountability and real impact: “Development must reach every citizen, not just on paper but in reality.”
A Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) report found that the region has the highest rate of multidimensional poverty in the country – estimated at 79.6% – placing Kavango West at the bottom of the national index.
The visit, led by the Kavango West Regional Council and involving several government ministries, highlighted both long-standing challenges and ongoing projects meant to uplift the region’s struggling communities.
Regional director of planning, development, monitoring and evaluation Egidius Nambara told residents on Monday that a water pipeline from Rundu to Mpungu, as well as another line to Mururwani, was in the works to ensure access to clean water.
Plans for a canal to reach smaller and more remote villages were also announced.
In the agriculture sector, a 20 000-hectare green scheme is being developed under the agriculture ministry, while ten goat farming initiatives in Mpungu are already receiving support from the directorate of rural development.
“These are not just food projects – they are about livelihoods and local economies,” Nambara said.
Make development a reality
Infrastructure and health service gaps remain a concern. Nambara noted the long-standing delays in constructing the intermediate hospital at Nkurenkuru, first proposed during former President Hifikepunye Pohamba's tenure. Expansion of rural clinics is also planned.
Only seven kilometres remain for the rehabilitation of the Curry Cutline road, a key route connecting villages to the B10 highway. Electrification of public schools, along with neighbouring villages, is underway, while ageing infrastructure continues to contribute to regular power outages.
The region’s Mpungu ICT Centre, operational since 2018, continues to serve the youth but remains under-resourced, with only one volunteer currently managing operations.
Residents raised complaints around crime, lack of identity documents and poor public service. Police commissioner Julia Sikuwa Neo urged closer cooperation between communities and law enforcement.
Governor Verna Sinimbo called for accountability and real impact: “Development must reach every citizen, not just on paper but in reality.”
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Namibian Sun
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