ONGWEDIVA - The mayor of Ongwediva, Taarah Shalyefu, said the council has this year prioritised the provision of land to low-income earners and sewer system in informal settlements.
Shalyefu said the council will further focus on electrifying unelectrified areas around town. In addition to upgrading roads to bitumen standard, the mayor said the council is hard at work to strengthen the town’s economy.

“Strengthening the town economy is part of our mission and we see how to navigate through the pandemic to ensure flourishing economic activities in Ongwediva without compromising public health,” said the mayor.
At present, the council is challenged by a lack of serviced land and sewerage system in some parts of the town, which the council this year seeks to address.

At the same time, the town is further challenged by the process of acquiring land for development from traditional homesteads within the town boundaries as well as animal control as there are still animals left to graze in the town.
In terms of infrastructure, the council is looking at ways in which it can put up a treatment plant so that it can reuse the wastewater generated at the town.

Equally, the council is also considering developing the open spaces at the town so that residents can use them for leisure.
They are currently busy constructing a sport facility behind Extension 17 and renovating the tennis court.
The construction and revamping of sports facilities is in line with the governor of Oshana Elia Irimari’s call who has from time to time implored local authorities within the region to ensure that their residents have access to sports facilities and fitness centres.
During the past year, the council has maintained gravel roads in both formal and informal settlements.
It has also concluded the installation of sewer reticulation at Reception 3 and jointly electrified Efidi Extension 4 with the electricity utility Nored.
– nashipala@nepc.com.na