Otjinene Village Council Services Limited Plots Due to Funding Shortage

Otjinene, Namibia – In 2023, the Otjinene Village Council has managed to service only 17 plots, totaling an investment of N.dollars 1.7 million, in the prime area of the village. This limitation in development is attributed to a shortfall in funding.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the chairperson of the village council, in an interview with Nampa on Monday, the council could service only a limited number of plots due to inadequate capital. He explained that plot servicing is a costly endeavor.

Kavita highlighted that Otjinene has become a hub for investors like Shoprite and Bargains building suppliers. He emphasized that much of the infrastructural development in the village is attributed to these investors, rather than the village council’s initiatives.

This year, Kavita noted, development projects in Otjinene were predominantly undertaken by private investors, including establishments like Shoprite and Agri-mark, along with new building suppliers. The council, meanwhile, focused on improving road infrastructure, converting some streets from gravel to low bitumen as part of a five-year plan to upgrade all village streets.

Furthermore, Kavita disclosed that the village council has allocated land for a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Park. He encouraged local small business owners to apply for space in this new marketplace, which is scheduled for completion in the following year. The SME Park is part of the council’s strategy to reorganize vendors currently operating in open spaces, thereby enhancing the village’s overall movement and accessibility.

The council has earmarked N.dollars 100,000 for the SME Park, which already features a toilet, fencing, and has attracted over 200 applications from interested vendors. Kavita concluded by urging villagers to show hospitality and respect towards each other and visitors during the festive season.