Epukiro: Ovambanderu Traditional Authority (OTA) councillor, Kotoree Kaukuata, expressed optimism about their community garden project, which has generated a profit of N.dollars 5,000 from its first harvest at Epukiro.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 1.5-hectare garden, named Omutize Dr Gerson Kunomundu Katjirua, was established in 2024 in the Omaheke Region with the aim of promoting food security and self-sustenance for the OTA. Kaukuata, who leads the project's marketing efforts, highlighted that the community began realizing benefits after selling the first produce during the recent permit day at Epukiro Post 3.

Kaukuata stated, "We are moving in the right path, and happy to see the community reaping from our garden. Our objectives are going to be met and we will plant more crops for the community." The garden currently cultivates carrots, onions, watermelons, and sweet potatoes, with plans to introduce potatoes, tomatoes, butternuts, beans, maize, and other varieties based on seasonal suitability.

The councillor also mentioned that the project has been able to contribute its produce to funerals and support members of marginalized communities within the Epukiro Constituency. "In future, we will assist schools, needy communities in our settlement, Omaheke Region, and the country at large. This is just the beginning and the future looks bright here," he added.

At present, the garden employs 11 temporary workers, with a vision to hire seven full-time employees by next year. Kaukuata concluded, "We are glad with this progress and we deposited a reasonable amount in the OTA from our first sale. We will put more effort and become self-sustainable."