The Omusati Regional Governor Immanuel Shikongo on Tuesday held a closed-door engagement meeting with Omusati Regional Veterans of the Liberation Struggle at the Governor's Office.

The discussions were initiated by seven war veterans and later expanded to include more veterans from across the region.

According to Omusati Region's Governor Immanuel Shikongo, the Region is home to 4,843 living veterans of the liberation struggle.

Shikongo emphasised that the government has a duty to ensure they are honoured, cared for, and never forgotten.

“The purpose of this meeting, therefore, is to discuss matters directly affecting their welfare and support. We remain deeply grateful to the Government of Namibia for its continued and unwavering commitment to our veterans, especially those who are ageing and those living with disabilities. Their contribution can never be repaid in full. Still, it is our responsibility as a government and as a nation to ensure they are valued, supported, and treated with the dignity they have earned through their immense sacrifice.”

Other agenda items included the further development of the Omugulugwombashe Memorial Shrine, the role of the Ruacana Hydro Power Station in the region's development and energy security, the upgrading of the Ruacana military base, and the upgrading of the Ruacana airstrip to meet required standards.

Shikongo also announced plans for the establishment of a regional advisory committee to advise the regional governor on the affairs of war veterans and regional development.