Oshikoto gets N$6.4m EIF lifeline for water crisis

Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi says the region has secured N$6.4 million from the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) to help tackle the water shortages that have plagued communities for nearly two years.

Delivering his second State of the Region Address on Wednesday, Kathindi said water security remains Oshikoto’s most urgent development challenge, with the new funding earmarked for some of the hardest-hit areas, including Eengodi, Nehale lya Mpingana, Omuntele and Okankolo constituencies.

He said four mini desalination plants have already been completed in the Eengodi constituency, and borehole drilling and installation have also been prioritised in 12 areas across Nehale lya Mpingana and Guinas constituencies.

Kathindi added that the upgrade of bulk water supply infrastructure from Oshakati to Oshikoto is underway, including work at the Oniimbwele Reservoir, while NamWater has identified two boreholes at Oshivelo for development.

“We remain optimistic that these engagements will yield positive outcomes and significantly contribute towards improving water access,” Kathindi said.

Crime concerns

Kathindi also raised alarm over rising crime in the region.

“A closer analysis of these statistics reveals that crimes happening in our homes and social settings such as GBH, domestic violence, rape, drugs and even murder are all on an astronomical increase,” Kathindi said.

Police recorded 1 541 crimes during the 2025/26 financial year, up from 1 137 the previous year, representing a 35.5% increase. Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm rose from 567 to 945 cases, rape increased by 41% from 132 to 187, and drug-related crimes surged by 82.7% from 87 to 159. Murder cases rose from 13 to 16, although stock theft declined from 269 to 200 cases.

Roads, classrooms upgraded

The governor highlighted progress in road construction and other infrastructure projects.

The Engoyi-Omuntele road has been completed, while work continues on the Omuntele-Onanke section. Construction of the Omuthiya-Elambo road has started, and the Onyati-Onyuulaye-Onkumbula project is awaiting the appointment of a contractor after the completion of design and demining activities.

He said the Roads Authority has also prioritised ten roads for development in the region.

Kathindi said his office had procured 10 heavy-duty water tanks worth N$232 000 for community hostels and is building a classroom at Uupindi Primary School in Omuntele constituency at a cost of N$120 000.

However, he noted that 19 schools in the region still lack ablution facilities, 19 have no water, and 17 remain without electricity, while overcrowding is a growing problem in urban schools, especially in Tsumeb.

Infrastructure projects worth N$129 million created 404 temporary jobs during the reporting period. Completed projects included a kitchen and dining hall at Onamishu Combined School, the electrification of Iimbu Growth Point, road maintenance at Oshigambo and the installation of the Nandelifa borehole.

Health and agriculture

In the health sector, Kathindi said the N$59 million maternity ward at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been completed and inaugurated, while construction of a neonatal intensive care unit is 35% complete. Renovations at Lombard Clinic and Onyaanya Health Centre are 80% complete, and Otananga Clinic has been fully renovated.

In agriculture, Kathindi said the Agricultural Marketing and Trading Agency spent N$2.8 million buying surplus grain from communal farmers, more than double its original budget of N$1.3 million. Under the dry-land crop production programme, 6 900 hectares were ploughed and 248 hectares ripped, benefiting 3 750 farmers through ploughing services, ripping and seed subsidies.