||Kharas drives N$600m growth agenda

||Kharas governor Dawid Gertze has hailed infrastructure and housing development across the region, saying more than N$600 million in completed, ongoing and planned projects is laying the foundation for economic growth, improved service delivery and expanded opportunities.

Delivering his State of the Region Address, Gertze said municipalities and village councils had translated budgets into visible infrastructure despite fiscal constraints, “directly lifting the living standards of our residents”.

In Aroab, a N$1 million road upgrade was completed, while the N$5.8 million Sonop Reception Area Grid Expansion project is 80% complete, extending water and electricity to 149 erven. Housing projects worth N$1.6 million were also completed.

Berseba recorded a N$1.4 million urban expansion masterplan for 1 370 erven. Other projects included a N$5.5 million oxidation pond upgrade, N$885 000 sewer network expansion, N$800 000 electrical grid extension and N$940 000 in street paving.

Karasburg upgraded 23 km of roads at a cost of more than N$3 million, while Central Park redevelopment is underway. A N$11.3 million fire station is under construction, and land servicing continues, with 549 residential and 30 business erven being registered.

A planned informal settlement comprising 1 500 erven has already seen 438 plots surveyed and allocated.

Services upgraded

In Lüderitz, the town council implemented 13 key projects after requesting N$120 million from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. “Through this commitment, thirteen key projects were implemented, each contributing to the transformation of Lüderitz into a modern, efficient, and people-centred town,” Gertze said.

Lüderitz implemented 13 projects after requesting N$120 million from the urban and rural development ministry ministry. The projects focus on water, electricity and roads as the town positions itself for green hydrogen, port expansion and diversification.

Oranjemund invested more than N$100 million in infrastructure, including N$37 million for Extension 11 services, N$25.5 million for electrical upgrades and N$10 million for staff housing. It also delivered 56 affordable homes through partnerships with the Shack Dwellers Federation and Namibia Housing Group.

Koës completed N$2.1 million in road interlocking works, creating jobs for 15 residents, though funding cuts delayed some projects.

In Tses, a N$2 million township project is formalising land ownership, while youth and enterprise initiatives include poultry farming, bakeries and housing projects.

Keetmanshoop remains the region’s largest investment hub, with more than N$94 million spent on capital projects.