Stakeholders in the Hardap Region have called for affordable internet data costs while expressing concerns about unreliable network connectivity in some areas.

The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has called on Namibians to protect their independence.

Theofelus made the call during the Independence Day celebration at Mariental.

All is set for the Hardap Region to celebrate the country's 36th Independence Day anniversary on Saturday. Mariental will host the regional celebrations this year.

Namibia will celebrate 36 years of independence on the 21st of March, with regional celebrations set to take place across the country. In the Hardap Region, residents will gather in Mariental to partake in various festivities, including cultural performances.

The !Khara-Khoen community in  the Hardap Region has received a shot in the arm in their quest to become crop producers and ensure food self-sustainability. 

The Hardap Governor's Office has injected N$50,000 into the !Khara-Khoen Traditional Authority's agricultural project.

Over 50% of Namibia's research infrastructure is concentrated in the |Khomas and Erongo Regions, while no research facilities exist in Hardap, Ohangwena, and Kavango West regions. 

These are part of findings contained in the just-launched Namibia's Research Infrastructure Survey Report.

The WJD Cloete Combined School at Rietoog about 120 kilometres south of Rehoboth, has received a classroom block and storage facility at a cost of one-comma-four million dollars.

Heavy rains recorded in the Hardap Region this week have brought relief to farmers, but the downpours left some houses under water at farm Hoppiegarden in the Hardap Region.

The Hardap Regional Governor, Riaan McNab, has appointed 35 members to the Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee (RDRMC), aimed at strengthening the region's readiness for natural disasters.

Hardap Governor Riaan McNab has urged newly elected Hardap regional council members to move away from boardroom meetings and focus more on working directly in communities.

He said tangible action is essential to enhance service delivery and rebuild public trust in the region.