Windhoek: Leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Hendrik Gaobaeb, on Monday met with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House, where discussions centred on housing shortages, unemployment, rural development, and human-wildlife conflict. According to Namibia Press Agency, Gaobaeb spoke to the media after the closed-door meeting, explaining that the opposition party delegation was invited following the President's earlier commitment to engage political parties represented in Parliament on national issues. One of the primary concerns raised was the shortage of adequate housing, which Gaobaeb described as a constitutional concern affecting the dignity of many Namibians. He highlighted the lack of sanitation and water, stressing that these conditions undermine the dignity of individuals and breach constitutional rights. The UDF also expressed concerns about unemployment, particularly among young people, and urged the government to create an environment conducive to investment and industrial developm ent to stimulate job creation. Gaobaeb emphasized the potential for expanding agricultural production in regions such as Kavango and Kunene. Despite Namibia's arid climate, he believes such initiatives could help produce affordable food for local consumption and create a surplus for export. Additionally, Gaobaeb mentioned about 600 incomplete houses in the Erongo Region, which remain unfinished due to legal disputes linked to the government's mass housing project. Completing these houses, he argued, could help alleviate the housing shortage. Other critical issues discussed included disparities between rural and urban schools, poor road infrastructure in rural areas, and the impact of human-wildlife conflict on communities in northern regions. Gaobaeb highlighted that human-wildlife conflict continues to impoverish rural communities in regions such as Zambezi, Kavango, Kunene, and parts of Erongo, as well as areas bordering Etosha National Park, and requires urgent attention. He noted that President Nandi-Nd aitwah acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, particularly the growing elephant population, and suggested that reducing this population could support the national food supply. The meeting formed part of President Nandi-Ndaitwah's commitment to engage opposition party leaders on matters relating to national development. While welcoming the UDF delegation, the President emphasized that elected representatives share the responsibility of leading the country and should work together to exchange ideas on how to move Namibia forward.