Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi, during his State of Region Address at Omuthiya, identified water provision, agriculture, network connectivity, education, roads, health, and security and justice as areas of priority.
Water remains the most pressing challenge facing many communities in the Oshikoto Region.
It is against this background that the Office of the Governor mobilised funds from the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia of N$6.4 million to address immediate challenges in some of the hardest-hit areas.
Installation of a booster pump at the Akaonde Water Station is expected to improve water distribution to 12 villages, strengthen water pressure and increase the reliability to about thirty villages.
"These interventions are expected to improve access to safe and reliable water for households, livestock and socio-economic activities in the affected communities. Furthermore, four mini desalination plants have been completed in Eengodi Constituency at Onelago, Otatashe, Akazulu and Oshikondailwa."
Drilling and installation of boreholes in Nehale Lya Mpingana and Guinas constituencies are also receiving attention.
"Upon completion the project is expected to contribute significantly to improved water security and service delivery for communities and economic activities."
The governor further says agriculture remains a key driver of food security, employment creation and economic development.
"The region is equally committed to promoting agricultural value addition through the processing of local produce and exporting raw produce. We must create opportunities for processing packaging and branding products within the region by economic value, creating jobs and stimulating entrepreneurship."
Kathindi says network towers will also be expanded across the region.
He also announced that the Engoyi-Omuntele road has been completed.
The construction of the Omuthiya-Elambo road has also commenced.
On health matters, N$78.8 million was budgeted for the development of various health infrastructures in the region with the construction and completion of the Onandjokwe modern maternity ward at the cost of N$59 million.
Meanwhile, the crime rate in the region has increased by 35.5% during the financial year 2025/2026 compared to 2024/2025.