The Oshikoto Regional Council has set aside N$1 000 000 for the Rural Sanitation Project.
The regional council revealed this during its Annual Plan and Review Workshop for the 2020/21 financial year that was held at Tsumeb from 25-29 April.
For the 2020/21 financial year, the Oshikoto Regional Council procured materials for the construction of toilets at a cost of N$700 000 from which 40 VIP toilets were to be constructed.
A number of Rural Development Projects were also implemented through initiatives such as micro-Eengodi, Okankolo and Olukonda were implemented in order to provide potable water to communities in these areas.
During the current financial year (2022/23 four Build to Together houses will be constructed at Onayena settlement at a costr of N#320 000.
‘’A number of capital projects were also undertaken and upon completion, creating about 322 temporary jobs for local people. Such projects include the construction of electrical services, water and sewer reticulation as well as an access road both in Onayena settlement and Tsintsabis to bring services at the doorstep of Guinas residents,’’ says the regional council.
Among the challenges faced by the council during the 2020/21 financial year were the redirecting of limited funds to the fight against the Covid 19 pandemic, aging fleet of vehicles, late transfer of funds from the line ministry and lack of proper stakeholder consultations.
During the workshop Oshikoto Region Council chairperson, Samuel Shivute said: ‘’The path to excellence is made smoother when we work together, support one another and place stakeholder consultation and engagement at the centre of all our activities, in the spirit of ‘Harambee’. Therefore, we must continue fostering and cementing such good working relations we are enjoying today, for a common goal of accelerating service delivery and rendering superior service to all inhabitants in the Oshikoto Region’’.
The council also reviewed and approved the Debt Management Policy, to improve revenue collection to supplement council’s income streams. ‘’In addition, the council developed the Internal Audit Policy and established an Internal Audit Committee to enhance transparency and promote accountability as principles of good governance.’’
