Oshana governor outlines progress, priorities after first 100 days
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge marked his first 100 days in office last week, highlighting achievements, challenges and new development priorities aimed at improving service delivery and accountability in the region.
Delivering his quarterly regional report in Oshakati, Iipinge said his administration’s focus since assuming office on 1 July has been to “listen, understand and act” on the needs of communities through improved coordination between government, local authorities and traditional leaders.
Iipinge reported steady progress across Oshana’s three main towns: Oshakati, Ongwediva and Ondangwa.
In Oshakati, N$149 million was allocated for upgrading informal settlements such as Evululuko and Okandjengedi, including new water and sewer infrastructure and the full servicing of Ehenye Extension 1.
Ondangwa continues to face infrastructure delays and sewer challenges, the governor said, but discussions with the health ministry are underway to explore public-private funding for a long-delayed district hospital.
“Ongwediva is implementing multiple infrastructure projects, including a new water tower at Omatando, stormwater systems and market extensions – all expected to be completed by the end of 2025,” Iipinge said.
Several road projects, including the Oshakati-Ompundja-Engombe-Naluvanda Gate and Okatana-Amutanga routes, will soon resume construction, with contractors expected to report to the site within two weeks, he added.
Greater service
Iipinge also confirmed that all government facilities visited across the ten constituencies have access to clean water and electricity – a sign, he said, of “commendable progress in basic service delivery.”
On the economic front, he announced the reopening of the Ondangwa Tannery following a government lease agreement with Desert Planet Industries, expected to create direct and indirect jobs.
He also expressed concern over delays in the completion of seven new earth dams, warning that his office will closely monitor contractors to ensure delivery.
“Meanwhile, upgrades at the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant are progressing well, though residents should expect temporary low water pressure during construction,” Iipinge said.
Inactive
The governor further expressed concern over some assets in the region that are not being utilised.
“I also wish to express concern over abandoned state assets, including the Agricultural Engineering Centre and Oshakati Abattoir, which remain non-operational,” he said.
“I have brought these to the attention of the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, with a request for urgent action to restore their productive use.”
Iipinge said that Oshana’s institutions are beginning to speak with one voice, aligning their programmes to the regional development agenda and the government’s seven national priorities.
New era
Iipinge said the work accomplished so far reflects a collective determination to accelerate service delivery, stimulate local development and restore public confidence in government institutions.
"Together, as government, the private sector, civil society, traditional leaders and our youth, we will continue to drive transformative change that uplifts every citizen and leaves no one behind,” he said.
Iipinge said all offices, ministries and agencies in Oshana are now required to submit quarterly reports – a move he described as ushering in “a new era of coordination, accountability and transparency”.
Delivering his quarterly regional report in Oshakati, Iipinge said his administration’s focus since assuming office on 1 July has been to “listen, understand and act” on the needs of communities through improved coordination between government, local authorities and traditional leaders.
Iipinge reported steady progress across Oshana’s three main towns: Oshakati, Ongwediva and Ondangwa.
In Oshakati, N$149 million was allocated for upgrading informal settlements such as Evululuko and Okandjengedi, including new water and sewer infrastructure and the full servicing of Ehenye Extension 1.
Ondangwa continues to face infrastructure delays and sewer challenges, the governor said, but discussions with the health ministry are underway to explore public-private funding for a long-delayed district hospital.
“Ongwediva is implementing multiple infrastructure projects, including a new water tower at Omatando, stormwater systems and market extensions – all expected to be completed by the end of 2025,” Iipinge said.
Several road projects, including the Oshakati-Ompundja-Engombe-Naluvanda Gate and Okatana-Amutanga routes, will soon resume construction, with contractors expected to report to the site within two weeks, he added.
Greater service
Iipinge also confirmed that all government facilities visited across the ten constituencies have access to clean water and electricity – a sign, he said, of “commendable progress in basic service delivery.”
On the economic front, he announced the reopening of the Ondangwa Tannery following a government lease agreement with Desert Planet Industries, expected to create direct and indirect jobs.
He also expressed concern over delays in the completion of seven new earth dams, warning that his office will closely monitor contractors to ensure delivery.
“Meanwhile, upgrades at the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant are progressing well, though residents should expect temporary low water pressure during construction,” Iipinge said.
Inactive
The governor further expressed concern over some assets in the region that are not being utilised.
“I also wish to express concern over abandoned state assets, including the Agricultural Engineering Centre and Oshakati Abattoir, which remain non-operational,” he said.
“I have brought these to the attention of the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, with a request for urgent action to restore their productive use.”
Iipinge said that Oshana’s institutions are beginning to speak with one voice, aligning their programmes to the regional development agenda and the government’s seven national priorities.
New era
Iipinge said the work accomplished so far reflects a collective determination to accelerate service delivery, stimulate local development and restore public confidence in government institutions.
"Together, as government, the private sector, civil society, traditional leaders and our youth, we will continue to drive transformative change that uplifts every citizen and leaves no one behind,” he said.
Iipinge said all offices, ministries and agencies in Oshana are now required to submit quarterly reports – a move he described as ushering in “a new era of coordination, accountability and transparency”.
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