Community raise N$58 000 for road upgrade

Onehanga residents in the Ohangwena Region have pledged to raise funds for the upgrade of a seven-kilometre road.The residents pledged a total of N$58 087 to finalise the first phase of the project, with more funds needed to start the second phase.Dragon Kamati, the project manager, said the community has long waited for government to address the road upgrade."We never know if this is one of the priority roads. But for us, the residents, we decided to come up with the idea and do something for ourselves," he said.A win for everyoneAbout 3 500 people live in Onehanga. A new medical facility is being built, which is why residents want the sand road to be upgraded to a gravel road.In addition to the funds, the community has also pledged to provide voluntary manpower, as they believe the improved road will also benefit neighbouring villages and others who will use the medical facility.Kapuka Nauyala, a resident, believes that by coming together to build the road, they are also helping government."This is one of the reasons; we are showing other communities that are also in a similar situation as us that you really do not have to wait for the government. You can also do it for yourself."More help neededThe residents informed the Ohangwena regional council in a letter, dated 19 September, of the fund-raising initiative.However, the council declined to help at this stage citing budgetary constraints.Residents informed the council that to secure funding from government for a road project of this magnitude, the road has to be formalised through existing constituency and regional development structures.Regional governor Walde Ndevashiya&#039;s personal assistant, Medusalem Shilongo, said they are aware of the situation and are engaging stakeholders."We have received the letter, and we will engage them on the way forward as they have attached a quotation of about N$8 million, and the government will have to foot that bill," he said.He added that there is a process to be followed, but also praised the residents&#039; initiative for meeting government halfway.

Community raise N$58 000 for road upgrade

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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Community raise N$58 000 for road upgrade

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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