Niël Terblanché
In his fifth State of the Region Address (SORA), Erongo regional governor, Neville Andre highlighted the region’s notable accomplishments over the past year while focussing on advancements in governance, infrastructure, and social development.
Andre reflected on the challenges faced at the start of his tenure, including the economic difficulties caused by the prolonged drought and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He pointed to the people of the region’s resilience and collective efforts in overcoming these adversities.
“Despite the challenges, we have achieved remarkable progress in various sectors, positioning Erongo as a region of excellence,” Andre said.
He pointed to significant achievements in service delivery, infrastructure development, and social initiatives, which have all contributed to improving the quality of life for the region’s residents.
The governor praised the Erongo Regional Council for its commitment to good governance, noting that regular public consultations and statutory meetings have been instrumental in enhancing transparency and accountability.
He added that over the past year, the region has also excelled in anti-corruption efforts, with extensive training and awareness campaigns conducted across various institutions. These efforts have fostered a more transparent and ethical governance environment.
“One of the most significant achievements was the completion of key infrastructure projects,” he said.
The construction of internal water reticulation at Wlotzkasbaken Settlement and the extension of the sewerage network in Otjimbingwe was completed, improving access to essential services for residents.
“Additionally, the construction of the Ozondati-Omatjete water pipeline, funded in part by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, marked a major milestone in the region’s efforts to enhance water supply infrastructure,” he said.
Andre also reported on the successful electrification of numerous informal settlements, including Narraville and Harambee, where hundreds of houses were connected to the grid, which improved living conditions for residents.
“Erongo’s commitment to social development was evident in the housing initiatives undertaken during the year,” he said.
Andre added that various programs constructed a total of 968 housing units, addressing the critical housing shortage in the region.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Namibia Housing Information System (NHIS) has streamlined the land application process, making it more effective and transparent.
He said that in terms of economic development, the region saw substantial progress in supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The establishment of an MSME Trust Fund, aimed at providing financial assistance to micro-enterprises, has already begun to yield positive results.
“The successful implementation of the Poultry Value Chain Development Scheme and the Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Program have empowered small-scale farmers, contributing to food security and poverty reduction,” he added.
According to Andre, the tourism sector in Erongo experienced a substantial recovery, with a 76% increase in bed occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2024, outperforming all other regions in Namibia.
The governor also pointed out the region’s role as a hub for cruise ship tourism and applauded the substantial growth in the number of cruise liners docking at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.
Andre also reported that the region saw new records in production levels at Navachab Gold Mine and a successful restart at Langer Heinrich Uranium, contributing to the region’s economic stability and job creation.
Andre expressed optimism for the future while thanking the private sector, media partners, and the residents of Erongo for their unwavering support.
“Together, we are building a brighter future for all residents, honouring the legacy of our late President Dr. Hage Geingob,” he said.
The governor also used the opportunity to encourage residents to participate in the upcoming elections while stressing the importance of exercising their democratic rights.
“With a focus on continued collaboration and commitment to excellence, the Erongo region is set for even greater achievements in the coming years,” he said.
