Kavango West seeks N$610m to build govt offices
Alarming unemployment rates plague region
Council chairperson Josef Sikongo has stressed that the region's five-year strategic plan must be inclusive, reflecting the aspirations and needs of all Kavango West residents.
The Kavango West Regional Council urgently requires N$610 million to construct essential government offices, complete with fully-fledged staff complements and services, in a bid to curb the region’s alarming unemployment rate.
Council chairperson Josef Sikongo revealed this during a recent five-year strategic plan drafting session in Rundu.
"Our region has recorded the highest unemployment rate in the country, standing at 52.8%, according to the latest Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) report. This is largely due to the slow progress in establishing government services and infrastructure in our region," Sikongo said.
"Our plan must prioritise the construction of regional offices for all delegated functions, including key ministries such as education, arts and culture; gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare; agriculture, water and land reform; labour, industrial relations and employment creation; and sport, youth and national service, among others," he explained.
Inclusive approach
He highlighted that council's strategic plan must be inclusive, reflecting the aspirations and needs of all Kavango West residents, regardless of their background, ethnicity or socio-economic status.
"It must address the concerns and challenges of our people in both urban centres and remote areas. Our communities must see themselves represented in this plan. Only through such an inclusive approach can we ensure that no one is left behind in our collective pursuit of the region’s socio-economic development."
Sikongo further noted that the ruling Swapo Party has committed N$85 billion over the next five to six years to fulfil its election promises to Namibian voters. Meanwhile, the council's draft strategic plan requires over N$6 billion for full implementation.
"As we embark on this critical exercise, we must remain conscious that every decision we make should have a tangible impact on the lives of Kavango West residents," Sikongo said.
"We are not here for personal gain, but because we have been entrusted by the people to chart a course for the region’s future. Our responsibility is to envision and plan for a better tomorrow for all," he added.
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Council chairperson Josef Sikongo revealed this during a recent five-year strategic plan drafting session in Rundu.
"Our region has recorded the highest unemployment rate in the country, standing at 52.8%, according to the latest Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) report. This is largely due to the slow progress in establishing government services and infrastructure in our region," Sikongo said.
"Our plan must prioritise the construction of regional offices for all delegated functions, including key ministries such as education, arts and culture; gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare; agriculture, water and land reform; labour, industrial relations and employment creation; and sport, youth and national service, among others," he explained.
Inclusive approach
He highlighted that council's strategic plan must be inclusive, reflecting the aspirations and needs of all Kavango West residents, regardless of their background, ethnicity or socio-economic status.
"It must address the concerns and challenges of our people in both urban centres and remote areas. Our communities must see themselves represented in this plan. Only through such an inclusive approach can we ensure that no one is left behind in our collective pursuit of the region’s socio-economic development."
Sikongo further noted that the ruling Swapo Party has committed N$85 billion over the next five to six years to fulfil its election promises to Namibian voters. Meanwhile, the council's draft strategic plan requires over N$6 billion for full implementation.
"As we embark on this critical exercise, we must remain conscious that every decision we make should have a tangible impact on the lives of Kavango West residents," Sikongo said.
"We are not here for personal gain, but because we have been entrusted by the people to chart a course for the region’s future. Our responsibility is to envision and plan for a better tomorrow for all," he added.
[email protected]
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