Population surge forces Erongo council to refocus priorities

Rapid population growth and increasing pressure on public services have emerged as the main challenges facing Erongo, prompting the newly elected regional council to prioritise water security, youth employment, housing and road infrastructure during its five-year term.Chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe outlined the council’s priorities at a press conference in Swakopmund on Friday, where he unveiled the Strategic Plan for the 2025–2030 period.The 2023 census found that the Erongo region has a population of 240 000, a 59.3% increase since 2010. Kanelombe warned that rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban migration are placing “significant pressure on local authority amenities.”He said the new council faces an immediate challenge to manage this growth while ensuring equitable development across both urban and rural constituencies.Kanelombe said constituencies such as Daures, Karibib and Omaruru require urgent intervention, citing poverty, unemployment and limited access to clean water, education and government services.“The most important measure of success will be the transformation of the livelihoods in these constituencies,” he stressed.Development hurdles and projectsWater scarcity, particularly in rural settlements, was identified as a critical constraint to development. Kanelombe cited prolonged shortages in Otjimbingwe, saying communities have waited too long for a stable supply.“The region can no longer wait for a reliable source of water,” Kanelombe said, adding that the council would engage NamWater and the mining sector to accelerate responses.Youth unemployment was described as another structural pressure linked to population growth. Kanelombe said the council intends to take a data-driven approach to understanding unemployment and matching skills development to labour market needs. He said the council is also committed to converting an old building in Omaruru into a technical and vocational education and training facility to prepare young people for work in mining, tourism, fishing and related sectors.A rise in demand for housing was also highlighted as a consequence of population increases. Kanelombe said underdeveloped settlements such as Uis, Okombahe, Omatjete and Otjimbingwe would be prioritised for low-cost housing initiatives, building on existing programmes and private-sector involvement.Road infrastructure was identified as essential to easing service delivery constraints and supporting economic activity. Kanelombe said council would advocate for the construction of a 60-kilometre bitumen road between Karibib and Otjimbingwe within the current term and for full implementation of the region's road masterplan, including feeder roads to remote areas.Clear roadmapAgriculture was highlighted as a complementary response to food insecurity and economic vulnerability.Kanelombe pointed to recent crop production along the Omaruru River following seasonal flooding, saying the council would work with agricultural extension services to support emerging farmers.Kanelombe said the council aims to strengthen cooperation with local authorities and the Erongo regional governor and conduct annual monitoring to track implementation.“These expectations are not merely daydreams but a roadmap that will be useful to steer development in this region,” he said.

Population surge forces Erongo council to refocus priorities

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-18

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Population surge forces Erongo council to refocus priorities

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-18

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