Windhoek: The Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission has advised against the establishment of new regions in its final report submitted to President Nangolo Mbumba on Tuesday. Receiving the report from the commission’s chairperson, Petrus Unengu, Mbumba commended the commission for successfully completing its mandate.
According to Namibia Press Agency, President Mbumba praised Unengu, a retired judge, and his team for not recommending the establishment of additional public institutions, including the creation of new regions. Mbumba expressed pride in the commission’s decision to avoid unnecessary appointments, stating that only governors from the existing 14 regions would continue to serve. He emphasized that the commission’s duty was to assess the regional and constituency needs without creating new positions solely for appointments.
Mbumba appointed the fifth boundaries commission in April 2024 to evaluate the regional boundaries and constituencies and recommend any adjustments. Unengu informe
d the president at State House that the commission was aware of the potential risks that could arise from creating new regions, such as tribal and ethnic segregation, which could jeopardize the nation’s peace and stability.
Despite calls from residents of the Kunene, Oshikoto, and Ohangwena regions for division into two areas, the commission decided against creating new regions. During public consultations, some residents of Kunene advocated for a new region in northwest Namibia, suggesting names such as Kunene South or Welwitschia, to enhance local governance efficiency.
Unengu revealed the commission’s recommendations, which include seven regional adjustments, 10 new constituencies, 61 constituency boundary adjustments, and the renaming of two constituencies. He highlighted that despite numerous proposals, the commission chose not to create any new regions. The commission’s findings were benchmarked against neighboring countries like Angola, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, which have higher population
s but fewer regions or provinces than Namibia.