Newly elected Walvis Bay Rural constituency councillor Ruben Shikongo has hit the ground running, prioritising healthcare, community safety, youth development, and rural service delivery.
During an interview with Namib Times this week, Shikongo said he recently visited the Coastal and Kuisebmond Clinics in his constituency to assess service delivery and engage directly with patients and health workers. While praising nurses for their dedication, he raised concerns about staff shortages and food insecurity affecting patients’ ability to take prescribed medication. He expressed optimism that the planned government recruitment of nurses would ease the situation.
Shikongo also joined Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona, the Erongo Regional Commander of the Namibian Police, on a late-night crime prevention operation, applauding police officers and Youth Against Crime volunteers for their commitment. Arrests were made for housebreaking, and several liquor outlets were found operating illegally, including selling alcohol to underage patrons. Shikongo urged business owners to comply with the law.
On youth development, he announced education support initiatives in response to the region’s low pass rate. Nineteen learners have been selected for NAMCOL assistance, while others will benefit from free tuition and short courses, with special focus on vulnerable and marginalised communities.
He further highlighted severe service delivery gaps in rural areas such as Farm 37, citing the lack of schools, clinics, transport and emergency services.
Plans are underway to engage private companies to support transport for learners and improve basic infrastructure. Councillor Shikongo’s long-term projects include an open market, vocational support, food security initiatives, and a proposed green irrigation scheme. In closing, Shikongo praised Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses for her leadership, saying strong leadership is essential for a healthy democracy. “Together, we can make Erongo greater,” he said.
By Rudi Bowe
