Isak Tuyoleni Haimbodi
Omuthiya, the capital of the Oshikoto region, stands as a symbol of both promise and neglect. Despite its administrative status, the town suffers from poor infrastructure, limited economic activity, and a glaring absence of higher education institutions.
Across the region, residents face crumbling roads, inadequate healthcare, and high unemployment, all worsened by political inaction.
Oshikoto’s youth face major obstacles to accessing tertiary education. While most regions host institutions such as UNAM, NUST, or IUM, Omuthiya has none. A long-promised vocational training centre remains unrealised, despite land having been allocated.
Only a few under-resourced private colleges operate in the town. Many students are forced to travel far to study, an expense most families cannot afford. Worse still, the shortage of hostels at secondary schools places rural learners at a disadvantage, with long commutes harming academic performance.
The region’s deteriorating road network restricts access to schools, clinics, and markets. Farmers cannot move their produce efficiently, businesses face delays, and emergency services are often too late. This neglect in transport infrastructure hampers both development and daily life. Roads are vital, not a luxury.
Omuthiya has serviced land available, yet it fails to attract meaningful investment. Job opportunities are scarce, leaving the youth with little choice but to migrate to other regions. The absence of major retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational spaces paints a picture of an economy in limbo. Without support for local entrepreneurs, the region’s stagnation will only worsen.
Many Oshikoto residents must travel to the Oshana region for medical care. Local clinics are few and often under-equipped. The shortage of medical personnel and supplies is dire. Shockingly, even the regional education directorate still operates from Oshana, a clear indication of administrative failure and misplaced priorities.
The slow pace of development in Omuthiya is a direct result of poor leadership. Residents have raised concerns for years, yet responses remain lukewarm. Leaders must shift focus from party politics to delivering real, measurable change for their communities.
The Way Forward
Reviving Oshikoto requires urgent government action, investment from the private sector, and active community engagement. Infrastructure must be upgraded, a long-delayed vocational centre built, healthcare improved, and local businesses supported.
The people of Oshikoto deserve more than broken promises; they deserve results. Omuthiya must not be left behind any longer. The time to act is now.
*Isak Tuyoleni Haimbodi is a concerned citizen and advocate for regional development. He writes in his personal capacity.
