Niël Terblanché
In an effort to address the pressing challenges facing the Zambezi region, President Nangolo Mbumba met with leaders of the four Traditional Authorities a day before Namibians celebrated Independence Day.
The meeting held in the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect was aimed at introducing President Mbumba to the traditional leadership during which he requested their sage advice on various regional concerns.
The gathering, which included the Masubia, Mafwe, Mayeyi, and Mashi Traditional Authorities, became a platform for voicing critical issues plaguing the region, most notably the devastating impact of drought.
The leaders unanimously called on the government to take decisive action to prevent residents from succumbing to hunger, emphasizing the dire need for immediate intervention.
A key solution proposed by the traditional leaders involves urging Meatco, the state-owned meat processing and marketing entity, to purchase livestock from the farmers.
The traditional leaders saw the initiative as a vital step to mitigate the financial losses and broader adverse effects of the drought on the agricultural community.
Another significant concern raised was the status of the Katima Mulilo State Hospital.
The leaders told the President that despite Namibia’s 34 years of independence, this facility still operates as a district hospital which lacks the capacity to handle complex medical cases.
They said the situation necessitates the referral of patients to hospitals in Rundu, Oshakati, and Windhoek.
President Mbumba acknowledged the gravity of this issue and committed to discussing potential improvements with his Cabinet.
The issue of stock theft in the region was also brought to the forefront, with the Traditional leaders seeking more robust government action to tackle this problem.
In response, The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Dr Albert Kawana assured the leaders of the implementation of enhanced border patrols with Angola and Zambia to combat livestock theft.
The traditional leaders advocated for the establishment of a new constituency specifically for the San community residing in the Bwabwata National Park, the area formerly known as western Caprivi.
Their request emphasized the ongoing efforts to ensure fair representation and governance for all communities within the Zambezi Region.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who accompanied President Mbumba to the meeting, indicated that the government is actively assessing the drought situation through relevant ministries to facilitate prompt and effective action.
The Minister in the Presidency, Christine ||Hoebes, informed the leaders about the imminent formation of a delimitation committee.
She encouraged them to engage with this committee to articulate their needs and suggestions.
President Mbumba said that with the commitment of both the government and traditional leaders renewed hope for meaningful progress in mitigating these pressing issues will be created.
