KALFELD, a settlement of about 7 000 inhabitants situated between Omaruru and Otjiwarongo, is set to benefit from various major developmental projects that could see it regain its village status.
Kalkfeld was proclaimed a village in 1991, and was run by its own village council until 1996 when it was downgraded to a settlement due to a lack of growth - socially and economically.
The settlement initially fell under the Omatako constituency, but for developmental purposes, Kalkfeld has since been incorporated into the Otjiwarongo constituency, which includes the town of Otjiwarongo and surrounding rural areas.
Marlene Mbakera, the chairperson of the Otjozondjupa regional council, at this year’s first council meeting shared several development plans for Kalkfeld.
They include infrastructure development, a water reticulation project, and the allocation of plots for residential and business purposes.
“During 2023, the council signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) for the provision of affordable houses at Kalkfeld settlement. All these initiatives are aimed at stimulating economic growth and strengthening Kalkfeld’s capacity so that it can regain its status as a village,” said Mbakera.
All these initiatives, are aimed at waking the settlement’s economic activities from their slumber, which in the long run will attract investment and create opportunities to ultimately help Kalkfield regain its village status.
For the 2024/25 financial year, the regional council, in collaboration with the settlement’s leadership, will place special emphasis on infrastructure development across Kalkfeld, particularly housing and affordable plots for the inhabitants.
One of the major projects earmarked for Kalkfeld is the water reticulation project at the settlement’s Dinosdal area as well at various informal settlements.
Through the selling and allocation of affordable plots, the regional council hopes to attract more investors to the settlement and revive business and employment opportunities for Kalkfeld’s youth and entrepreneurs.
Presently, there are not much economic activities in Kalkfeld, but it remains a moderately popular tourist destination, thanks to its proximity to farm Otjihaenaparero, where what is believed to be 170-million-year-old dinosaur footprints are found.
The settlement also boasts two schools, Kalkfeld Primary School as well as one secondary school, GK Wahl Combined School.
Each grade at the schools has a single class only due to the low pupil population.
- ohembapu@nepc.com.na