The Erongo Regional Council highlighted progress in education, infrastructure, governance and community development during its 365th Ordinary Regional Council Meeting, with Chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe outlining a range of initiatives undertaken across the region over the past reporting period.
Addressing councillors, officials and members of the media at the council chambers, Kanelombe said the period under review was characterised by strategic partnerships, improved service delivery and development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of residents. “The period under review was marked by meaningful engagements, strategic partnerships and development initiatives that strengthened governance, improved service delivery and supported sustainable socio-economic development across our seven constituencies,” he said.
Among the notable achievements highlighted was the inauguration of a new computer laboratory in Uis, valued at N$347 000 and funded by the Swakop Uranium Foundation. Kanelombe said the facility would help bridge the digital divide by expanding access to technology-based education. The council also participated in the official handover of delegated government functions to regional councils, a move aimed at strengthening decentralisation and enabling regional authorities to deliver services more effectively at community level. Economic empowerment remained a key priority during the reporting period, with the council handing over equipment to beneficiaries under the Constituency Development Fund and various income-generating projects in the Dâures and Swakopmund constituencies.
According to Kanelombe, these interventions are intended to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses and create sustainable livelihoods. Infrastructure development also featured prominently, with Kanelombe reporting progress on the construction of the Uis-Henties Bay road following an engagement with the Roads Contractor Company and Zhongmei Engineering Group. He said the road project is expected to improve regional connectivity, stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for communities along the corridor.
The council further welcomed the launch of the Roads Authority’s NaTIS on Wheels mobile service in Omatjete, which brings vehicle licensing and registration services closer to rural residents. On the social front, Kanelombe said applications had opened for the Food/Cash for Work Programme under the Regional Specific Action Plan for Food Security and the Rural Employment Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year. The programme will benefit qualifying residents in the Dâures, Karibib and Walvis Bay Rural constituencies.
The council also collaborated with partners to host parenting workshops, commemorate World No Tobacco Day and support health services through the inauguration of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Swakopmund District Hospital. Employee wellness initiatives included male engagement forums focusing on gender-based violence prevention, responsible fatherhood and mental health, while induction workshops were held to strengthen community responses to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Kanelombe said the council also responded to the recent fire at Tutaleni by providing emergency relief, including mattresses, blankets and tents, to affected families. Education remained a central focus, with the council conducting school visits, supporting vocational education initiatives and hosting the Erongo Regional Education Conference to address declining learner performance.
The revival of the Erongo Road Safety Forum was also highlighted as an important step towards reducing road crashes through coordinated stakeholder efforts. Reflecting on the council’s overall performance, Kanelombe said the achievements demonstrated continued progress in responsive governance and people-centred development. “While much has been achieved, much work still lies ahead. Let us therefore remain united in purpose, disciplined in implementation and steadfast in our commitment to improving the quality of life of every resident of the Erongo Region,” he said.
By Sharlien Tjambari
