Regions sign landmark deal

The Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Kavango West regions have entered into a working relationship aimed at sharing information and resources for socio-economic development.The relationship will focus on health services, roads, rural electrification, educational facilities, land management, natural resources, housing and information communication technology (ICT). Ohangwena governor Usko Nghaamwa said the agreement is an indication that government is spending sleepless nights thinking about its people and plans to ensure that all citizens can enjoy the fruits of independence.Nghaamwa said communities are expecting the government to respond to their needs and bring services closer, especially to those living along regional boundaries.The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday at Okongo in the Ohangwena Region.The event was attended by accounting officers and political office-bearers. Ohangwena chief regional officer Fillipus Shilongo told stakeholders that in order to implement the agreement, parties are encouraged to establish exchange programmes and conduct studies and surveys in fields of common interest.They were also told to identify and implement short- and long-term development programmes and projects, share development information with communities along the borders of the regions, and strengthen coordination in terms of development activities.“It is also worth informing you that any activities that may be performed within the ambit of this agreement that require financial contributions have to be borne jointly by the regional councils, as per an article to this agreement,” Shilongo said.“Equally important, the issue of confidentiality and the settlement of disputes is also provided in articles 5 and 6, respectively.”The three regions are among the most densely populated in the country, with majority of the inhabitants living in abject poverty.“It is our responsibility to make sure that no Namibian feels left out; therefore I fully support this initiative and would like it to ensure inter-regional cooperation and strengthen joint planning on socio-economic development activities through determined regional efforts between the parties,” Nghaamwa said.“I am happy to learn that this agreement will administer the sectors of health, infrastructure, natural resources, education, ICT and other developments in our regions.”Oshikoto regional council chairperson Samuel Shivute said the agreement offers an excellent opportunity for cooperation in the areas related to development and the implementation of projects in his region.“This MoU will encourage a closer working relationship and the sharing of information on socio-economic development among the three regions. Through timely communication between the three regions prior to the planning of certain service delivery projects, we will reduce the duplication of services in our regions,” Shivute said.Kavango West regional council chairperson Joseph Sivaku Sikongo appealed to accounting officers to make sure that the agreement is a living document that can add value to the lives of residents.ILENI NANDJATO

Regions sign landmark deal

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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Regions sign landmark deal

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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