Rupara: The Kavango West Regional Council has outlined a phased plan to operationalise the Rupara Rural Development Centre in the Musese Constituency, balancing limited funding while prioritising skills development, job creation and local value addition.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Chief Regional Officer Matheus Singambwe in an interview said immediate priorities for the 2026/27 financial year include the development of accommodation facilities, procurement of workshop equipment and the introduction of small-scale agricultural activities to make the centre functional. Singambwe noted that budget allocations are often lower than requested, but they have managed to accomplish more with the limited resources received.
Singambwe identified key challenges at the centre as staffing shortages, incomplete infrastructure, and limited capital for equipment, adding that no dedicated personnel have yet been appointed to manage operations. He highlighted the absence of staff due to insufficient funds to employ personnel.
Due to budget constraints, the council has adopted a phased investment approach, prioritising hostel and VIP accommodation to enable residential training, while deferring the construction of the administration block and full staffing until additional funding becomes available. To date, approximately N.dollars 140 million has been invested in infrastructure development at the site.
Existing facilities include perimeter fencing and a security guard's house, core services such as electricity supply, water reticulation, and a treatment plant, a 300-seat conference hall, a metal welding workshop, a kitchen and dining facility, VIP accommodation, and a hostel block for trainees. The administration block remains in the pipeline, pending further funding.
In the short term, the council aims to focus on practical skills training and value addition. Singambwe mentioned that the metal workshop still requires machinery, while hospitality training will enable trainees to cater for themselves on site. Small demonstration plots are also planned to support agricultural training.
The council aims to add value to natural products, citing initiatives such as jam-making and the processing of local produce, including mutete and nongongo. Looking ahead, the council plans to strengthen implementation through its development planning and technical services teams, while seeking increased operational funding to fill vacant positions. The broader objective is to reduce unemployment by building productive capacity within local communities.