The ||Kharas Region has underspent its routine road maintenance budget of N$29,6 million funded by the Road Fund Administration by 60%.
 
The Governor of ||Kharas, Dawid Gertze, revealed this during his State of Region Address held on Monday in Keetmanshoop.
 
The Keetmanshoop Municipality fully utilised its budget allocation of N$4,6 million.
 
Oranjemund only achieved 67,6% of its allocation, while ||Kharas settlements recorded a 57,2% spending rate.
 
The towns of Lüderitz and Karasburg, as well as all village councils, spent none of their combined budget allocation of N$11,4 million.
 
The reconstruction of the MR118 road between Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund, valued at N$213 million, has reached a 30% completion rate.
 
The government invested N$50 million in the Keetmanshoop Weigh Bridge, which was 100% completed.
 
Listed as key priorities are the rehabilitation of the trunk road between Grünau and Keetmanshoop and the upgrading of the main road between Keetmanshoop and Klein-Manasse and District Road 212 between Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah to bitumen standard.
 
Gertze also raised some concerns.
 
“It's worrisome; we are leading people, we are serving their interests, and we are held accountable for not executing projects. And then we keep the government responsible for our own flaws. That cannot continue anymore.”
 
The governor commended the health sector for demonstrating continued resilience, innovation and compassion to ensure all citizens receive medical services.
 
Key milestones achieved in the health sector include the recent inauguration of a dialysis unit at the Keetmanshoop Hospital.
 
The construction of Vaalgras Clinic is a step closer, with the feasibility study now completed.
Lüderitz Hospital also appointed an obstetrician-gynaecologist.
 
The ||Kharas Region is set to receive medical equipment and furniture worth N$1 million under the Vision April 2026 Initiative.
 
Renovations at the Keetmanshoop District Hospital's paediatric ward are 98% completed, and emergency and main renovations are 94%.
 
Other achievements include modernisation of hospital kitchens at Karasburg, Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz at the cost of N$1,3 million.
 
The construction of the N$70 million Aussenkehr Health Centre is also nearing completion, while staff accommodation facilities at Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei are completed.

Gertze also applauded the medical fraternity.

"To the Ministry of Health and Social Services, healthcare professionals and frontline workers - thank you for your dedication, sacrifices and services."
 
The governor also revealed 1,895 ID cards remain unclaimed, calling on the public to collect their identification documents.