||Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze has called for unity among political parties and the wider community, saying collective action is needed to confront the region's developmental challenges.
 
In an interview with NBC News as he concluded his regional tour, Gertze described the journey as informative and educational.
 
He said the tour gave him a clearer understanding of the realities facing communities.
 
 “Because of political differences, we divorce ourselves from the mandate we are carrying to the responsibility that we carry to develop this region and the people to change their livelihoods and also to ensure that our people live in unity; absence of unity is the biggest block we need to pass.”
 
 Gertze further stressed that the tour made him realise that poverty, unemployment, rural water shortages, and drug and alcohol abuse were serious challenges that required urgent attention.

"I have already engaged with the people from Rural Water and NamWater on how best we can work together. We have discussed the challenges and also looked at ways in which these issues can be addressed.”
 
Theft and vandalism of public infrastructure is another concern.
 
"So we as a community should also start educating our people to act responsibly,” added Gertze.
 
 A delegation will return to compare notes and compile a report for development purposes and action plans.