The Omusati governor, Immanuel Shikongo, highlighted key developmental projects undertaken in the region during his State of the Region Address (SORA) at Outapi.
Shikongo said the Etunda Irrigation Scheme produced 1,371 tonnes of maize, 297 tonnes of potatoes, 585 tonnes of wheat, 8.9 tonnes of watermelons, and a pilot banana harvest valued at N$14.8 million.
"A total of 270 hectares of arable land has been used for the production of maize, with a yield of 1,371 tonnes at the Etunda Irrigation Scheme; 22 hectares for the production of potatoes with a yield of 297 tonnes; 5 hectares for watermelons with a yield of 8.9 tonnes; and 120 hectares for wheat with a production of 585 tonnes, while a hectare was used to pilot the production of banana, which has been successfully harvested and sent to the market. The above production is valued at N$14.8 million, which has already offset the investment cost."
He said Namwater has invested N$206.1 million to replace the pipeline between Ogongo and Oshakati and a further N$123 million to upgrade the Outapi Purification Plant to strengthen the water supply for domestic and business use.
"Government through NamWater has invested an amount of N$206.1 million for the replacement of the existing pipeline infrastructure between Ogongo and Oshakati. The completion of the project will increase the water supply for domestic and industrial use and subsequently stimulate economic growth in rural areas. A further N$123 million has been invested in the upgrading of the Outapi Purification Plant project to improve its capacity and strengthen the reliability to support business activities."
Shikongo further reported on education, youth empowerment, sport and culture, noting Omusati ranked third nationally at AS Level with 73.5%.
Ablution facilities and new classrooms were also built at a cost of N$5 million; N$8.9 million was for the Okahao Multi-Purpose Sports Complex and youth brick-making projects, and N$4.9 million was for the Oshikuku Cultural Heritage Centre.
Shikongo, however, raised concern over safety, noting that crime increased by 4%, constituting 3,670 cases in 2025/26.
Gender-based violence and child abuse are among the greatest challenges facing the region.
He called for collective action to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable.