Renthia Kaimbi
Erongo Regional Council chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe says the new council will focus on water access, youth unemployment and rural development during its term.
He made the remarks during his maiden address at the first Ordinary Council Meeting of the year.
He said the council’s strategic plan for 2025 to 2031 will guide development and service delivery in the region.
“This is an exciting time to serve our region,” Kanelombe said, referring to the mandate given to the new administration after the recent elections.
He said census data shows the region’s population has grown to 240 000, an increase of 59.3% since 2010. He said rural-urban migration is placing pressure on services and that the council must create opportunities in outlying areas.
“The regional profile identified three constituencies in dire need of support to improve the livelihoods of our people,” he said, naming Daures, Karibib and Omaruru.
“The report reveals a series of shortcomings that need to be urgently addressed: poverty, lack of access to education and clean water, unemployment, and limited access to government services, including statutory identity documents.”
Water shortages in Otjimbingwe remain a concern. Kanelombe said residents have waited too long for a reliable supply.
“I’m not saying that the relevant authorities have not done anything, but I re-emphasise that the urgency is greater than before,” he said.
“The wait for a reliable source of water needs to end now.”
To address unemployment, the council plans to support the conversion of the “Yellow Building” in Omaruru into a Technical Vocational Education and Training institution.
“The new Council is putting its full weight behind the conversion of the famous ‘Yellow Building’ in Omaruru into a fully-fledged Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) institution,” he said.
He linked the move to job opportunities in mining, fishing and tourism.
Infrastructure development also forms part of the agenda. Kanelombe said he will advocate for a 60-kilometre bitumen road linking Karibib and Otjimbingwe.
“We need to reclaim the trust and confidence of our residents in Otjimbingwe and the surrounding areas – and a new road within the next five years of our mandate will bring joy to our people,” he said.
He pointed to agricultural activity along the Omaruru River as a sign of local potential. Farmers in areas such as Okombahe have planted wheat on flooded river plains.
“There is bread from this river,” he said, adding that the council will work with agricultural extension services to support farmers.
Kanelombe said the council will align its work with Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. He urged residents and businesses to work with the council.
“These expectations are not merely daydreams but a roadmap that will be useful to steer development in this region,” he said.
“That is the oath we took.”
