Staff Writer
The Erongo Regional Council convened its 369th Ordinary Meeting on 10 August 2026, with chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe delivering a comprehensive statement that outlined significant strides in governance, economic development, education, infrastructure and community welfare across the region’s seven constituencies.
Kanelombe opened the proceedings at the Erongo Regional Council Chambers by welcoming chief regional officer (CRO) Mupenzeni Ntelamo, directors, fellow councillors and members of the media, emphasising the meeting’s purpose to account for work undertaken since the previous sitting and to reaffirm the council’s commitment to responsive governance and inclusive development.
The reporting period has been marked by constructive stakeholder engagements and strengthened intergovernmental cooperation, with council officials holding strategic discussions with the Arandis Town Council on ongoing and planned development projects while also receiving a courtesy visit from deputy minister of works and transport, Hans Haikali, to deliberate on road infrastructure priorities across the region.
The council further prepared for the upcoming Integrated Field Exercise 2026 by engaging with a delegation from the ministry of industries, mines and energy on public awareness programmes for the international event to be hosted in Swakopmund later this year, while also successfully concluding the performance appraisal process of the CRO through the signing of his Performance Agreement assessment, which the chairperson noted reflects council’s continued commitment to sound governance, accountability and excellence in public administration.
Economic empowerment remained central to the council’s developmental agenda, with community consultations successfully conducted in Uis, Omatjete and Okombabe under the leadership of the Daures constituency office, providing residents with information on government support programmes relating to micro, small and medium enterprises, the Solar Energy Fund, industrial development and assistance for small-scale miners.
The Arandis Constituency similarly hosted an information-sharing session for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners covering business registration, import and export permits, the Equipment Aid Scheme, mining opportunities and available financial support mechanisms.
In the agriculture sector, which continues to play a vital role in sustaining livelihoods, the council participated in the official handover of auction kraal materials to the Otjimbingwe Farmers Association and, in collaboration with the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, hosted the Erongo Regional Agri Youth Engagement in Walvis Bay under the theme “Empowering Youth for Sustainable Agricultural Livelihoods, Marine and Aquaculture, Water and Land Reforms Ventures,” exposing young people to opportunities within fisheries, aquaculture, land reform and water resource management.
The council further invited farmers, agro-processors and stakeholders to participate in consultations regarding the proposed development of agro-processing facilities for small-scale agricultural enterprises as part of an important feasibility study aimed at promoting value addition and strengthening agricultural value chains, while also participating in the Annual Rural Development Progress Review and Planning Workshop to identify practical interventions for accelerating inclusive and sustainable development across rural Namibia.
Education remained a strong pillar for the region’s future prosperity, with the council hosting national consultations on the Namibia Space Science and Technology Bill in Swakopmund and participating in the Omaruru Circuit Science Fair where learners showcased exceptional scientific research and creativity.
The council also joined the ministry of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture in celebrating the successful completion of the Adult Education Skills Development Programme in Horticulture and Poultry Farming at Arandis, while the Walvis Bay Urban Constituency Office handed over proof of payment for student financial assistance to sixteen deserving beneficiaries under the Erongo Regional Council Student Support Programme, with priority accorded to vulnerable students pursuing studies in critical fields such as medicine and other scarce professions.
Infrastructure development received significant attention, with the Daures constituency councillor together with the deputy minister of works and transport undertaking a familiarisation visit to the Omaruru-Uis and Uis-Omajete road corridors, with the chairperson welcoming the indication that the Omaruru-Uis Road has been prioritised for implementation.
The council also hosted the National Council Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Housing during its public consultations on road accidents, with recommendations emerging from these engagements expected to strengthen national road safety policies while addressing unique challenges experienced within the region.
Community development and social welfare initiatives included the Swakopmund constituency convening its Third Constituency Development Committee and Disaster Risk Management Committee meetings to deliberate on capital development projects for the 2026/2027 financial year, while the Walvis Bay Urban Constituency Office engaged traders at the Ekutu Informal Market to encourage stronger collaboration and promote local economic development.
Food parcels were handed over to beneficiaries in the DRC Settlement through sponsorship from Beifang Mining Techno Services, while the Daures constituency Office, through sponsorship from Daures Green Hydrogen, handed over a complete soccer kit to Omajtee Primary School in support of youth sports development.
The reporting period was also marked by significant institutional achievements, with the Erongo Region having the distinct privilege of hosting the 2026 Africa Public Service Day Celebrations at The Dome in Swakopmund under the theme “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063,” bringing together government leaders and public servants from across the African continent.
During these celebrations, the Erongo Regional Council received national recognition after being ranked among the top three performing public institutions in the implementation of the Customer Service Charter, recording an audit compliance score of 74% while the detailed compliance assessment reflected an overall performance score of 85.97%, earning the council the prestigious Award for Excellence in the Implementation of the Customer Service Charter.
The council further supported the successful hosting of the Effective Communicators Conference 2026, which confirmed the indispensable role of effective communication in promoting transparency, public participation and accountable governance.
The chairperson also addressed the region’s experience of significant wildfires affecting parts of the Daures and Karibib constituencies, which resulted in extensive damage to grazing land and posed serious threats to livestock, wildlife, infrastructure and livelihoods.
The council responded by working closely with relevant government institutions, emergency services, farmers, volunteers and traditional leaders to support coordinated firefighting efforts, with the chairperson extending sincere appreciation to the Namibian Air Force, emergency response personnel, volunteer firefighters and all individuals who selflessly contributed their time, resources and expertise during this challenging period.
Kanelombe reminded residents that fire prevention remains everyone’s responsibility and encouraged caution during the fire season through responsible fire management practices and prompt reporting of outbreaks.
While acknowledging progress made, the chairperson equally recognised important challenges that remain, including infrastructure backlogs, unemployment, climate-related risks, pressure on public resources and growing demand for improved public services.
He expressed sincere appreciation to fellow councillors, the CRO, directors, management and every employee of the Erongo Regional Council for their professionalism and commitment, while also extending gratitude to government ministries, local authorities, traditional authorities, development partners, private sector members, civil society organisations and residents whose cooperation and support remain indispensable.
Kanelombe concluded by reaffirming the council’s focus on building an inclusive, resilient and economically vibrant Erongo Region, stating that together they will continue building a region that creates opportunities for all and improves the quality of life of every resident.
