Katima Mulilo: Katima Mulilo Urban Constituency councillor, Kennedy Simasiku, highlights the ongoing challenges in water, sanitation, and electricity access for the residents of Chotto, Makaravan West, and Nova, who often rely on the bushes for sanitation needs.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Simasiku delivered his maiden speech in the National Council on Monday, pointing out that the limited access to electricity affects households, including those of primary school learners. Residents are forced to fetch water from communal taps, sometimes as late as midnight. This issue is reflective of the broader situation in informal settlements across the nation.
He noted that while N.dollars 500 million has been allocated for the formalization of settlements, it remains unclear how much will benefit Katima Mulilo or when the funds will be available to start the project.
Simasiku also addressed the issues of food insecurity and youth unemployment, labeling them as national security risks. He urged the swift esta
blishment of more green schemes, noting that despite Zambezi Region being labeled a breadbasket, no tangible agricultural progress has been made. Traditional leaders have provided land for agriculture, yet the Ministry of Agriculture has not initiated any green schemes, prompting questions from local authorities.
Simasiku expressed concerns over the distribution of Namibia’s abundant natural resources, such as diamonds, gold, uranium, and marine resources. He called for deliberate policies to ensure revenue from these resources supports regional development through local councils.
He suggested legislative changes to allocate fishing quotas and mining concessions to regional councils, funding essential services like water and sanitation. Additionally, Simasiku advocated for reforms in conservancies to ensure benefits from hunting concessions reach local communities.