Ohangwena: The Ohangwena region has made progress in expanding key infrastructure in education, transport, and water services, despite delays in procurement and limited implementation capacity continuing to slow down several major projects. Ohangwena Regional Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa, said this includes the establishment of seven new secondary schools as part of efforts to widen access to education but warned that classroom shortages remain a challenge.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Hamutumwa revealed this during her visit to former president Hifikepunye Pohamba at his homestead at Okanghudi village on Saturday, which was led by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Former president Nangolo Mbumba also formed part of the delegation. She said that while the progress made represents a significant milestone in improving educational coverage, there remains a critical need for additional classrooms to accommodate the growing learner population adequately.

She added that the construction of a secondary school at Ongula ya Netanga in Omulonga Constituency is expected to resume, while a Vision school in Epembe Constituency has been budgeted for the current financial year.

'On governance infrastructure, plans for a Governor's office in Eenhana have advanced with land allocation and funding secured. However, the planned Regional Council headquarters project has stalled due to procurement delays at the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, leading to the return of allocated funds to the treasury,' she said.

On road infrastructure development, the governor said the construction of the Ondobe-Eenhana road is underway, while work on the Oushake-Okankolo route is scheduled for May 2026. The Omulondo-Oshuuli gravel road has been completed, although flooding continues to disrupt access to schools and services in some areas.

Hamutumwa further indicated that several boreholes remain unused due to salinity, prompting NamWater to award a contract for desalination plants on 10 boreholes, expected to be installed within four months. A bulk water pipeline project between Omundaungilo and Omutsegwonime is also in planning.

She further informed the gathering that the Ministry of Agriculture has commenced with the Ekoka Agricultural Project, and its fencing has been completed. A budget has also been made available for the feasibility study.

Efforts are ongoing to improve living conditions and service delivery in emerging settlements, with the Ongha settlement being prioritised for the provision of municipal services, including basic infrastructure such as water, sanitation, and roads, to support its growth into a fully serviced urban area, she concluded.