Erongo Regional Council pushes development, accountability and regional unity

The chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Lazarus Kanelombe, says the council remains committed to advancing development, strengthening governance and improving service delivery across the region.

Speaking during the ordinary Regional Council meeting held in Swakopmund last week, Kanelombe highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the council during the period under review.

Kanelombe said the council leadership continued to engage different sectors to promote socio-economic development and address challenges affecting communities across Erongo.

He congratulated the Erongo youth on their performance at the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup in Keetmanshoop, where the football team brought home the trophy.

Kanelombe also praised Dâures constituency councillor Inecia Brandt following her appointment as deputy minister of justice and labour relations, describing it as a milestone for the region.

He further outlined ongoing community interventions in Swakopmund, including support provided to residents affected by fires in the DRC informal settlement through food parcel donations.

He added that a site visit was conducted to monitor the construction of a new primary school in the area, which is expected to improve access to education and create employment opportunities.

On healthcare and skills development, he said the Dâures Constituency engaged the Omaruru Health District Management to improve ambulance services, clinic operations and access to essential medication.

Recommendation letters

He also announced progress towards establishing the first Erongo TVET Centre in Omaruru, revealing that Langer Heinrich Uranium pledged N$2 million towards the project.

“The council continues to work closely with the mining sector to ensure that communities benefit through employment creation and social investment programmes aimed at reducing poverty,” Kanelombe said, adding that stronger partnerships with industry remain central to regional development.

Tourism development, water security and business growth also formed part of the council’s priorities. Kanelombe noted that stakeholders met in Uis to promote tourism coordination and community-based development, while the relaunch of the Erongo Water Forum aimed to find sustainable solutions to the region's water challenges.

The chairperson also addressed local authority councils regarding the payment of the mandatory 5% rates and taxes contribution to the regional council, warning that councils failing to comply may face consequences, including the withholding of recommendation letters.

“Leadership in Erongo must be guided by unity, accountability and the shared responsibility of improving the lives of our people,” Kanelombe said, reaffirming the council’s commitment to inclusive development across the region.

Kanelombe called for unity and cooperation among regional and local authorities, urging leaders to work together in the interest of the people of Erongo and to reject divisions based on tribalism, regionalism and racism.