Windhoek: Chief of the Mayeyi Traditional Authority (MTA) in the Zambezi Region, (Shikati) Boniface Lutibezi Shufu, emphasized the significance of the annual gathering of the Mayeyi people as a renewal of the covenant between past, current, and future generations. According to Namibia Press Agency, the chief's speech, delivered by MTA spokesperson Walters Kamaya at the Batshara Annual Cultural Festival on Sunday, reinforced the festival's importance on the Mayeyi community calendar. Celebrated under the theme 'Our Rivers, Our Life, Our Heritage,' the festival underlines the deep connection the Mayeyi people hold with their rivers, which are central to their identity, heritage, and livelihoods. Chief Shufu addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity, noting the drying up of non-perennial rivers that affects both human and animal life. He urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to extend the current water pipeline to parts of Kongola and beyond, emphasizing the critical nature o f water as a human right and a resource that should be distributed equitably across the region. In his speech, he lauded Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi and her leadership team for their developmental efforts but expressed concern that Sangwali was overlooked in the recent State of the Region Address. He highlighted the need to include Sangwali, the headquarters of the Mayeyi people, in the development agenda, noting that land has been set aside for the establishment of a village council to bring essential services closer to the community. Chief Shufu also proposed the construction of a border post with Botswana at Kawedumu/Lyanshulu to enhance trade, healthcare access, and family visits by reducing travel distances. Additionally, he called on Namibia Post Limited to reopen the post office in Sangwali to alleviate the challenges faced by pensioners who currently travel to Katima Mulilo for their social grants, incurring high transportation costs. Vice President Lucia Witbooi was among the distingui shed guests and speakers at the Sunday celebrations, underscoring the event's importance.