New Kavango East governor Hambyuka calls for unity, development and transformation

Newly appointed Kavango East governor Julius Hambyuka has outlined his plan to tackle the region’s challenges, focusing on unity, economic transformation, and rural development.

Hambyuka was speaking at his welcoming ceremony at Rundu on Monday.

He said unemployment, particularly among the youth, has been identified as one of the most urgent issues in the region.

“Plans to engage with the Kavango East Chamber of Commerce and Industry or a similar body aim to foster business collaborations that will boost trade, create jobs, and encourage entrepreneurship,” he said.

Hambyuka said economic transformation and inclusive growth are key pillars for development.

“I shall pay delíberate attention to the development of small, youth, and women-owned businesses through partnerships and incubation, because township and rural economies are important elements of socio-economic transformation.”

Recognising the pressing need for disaster management, Hambyuka called on local authorities to implement effective plans to mitigate risks in urban areas.

“Residents must avoid building structures in flood-prone zones or on river beds without proper approval,” he warned.

Outgoing governor Bonifasius Wakudumo reflected on his time in office.

“As I leave the office with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that I have served to the best of my ability, I do so with pride in what we have achieved together and great optimism for the future,” he said.

Wakudumo described moments of pride as projects came to fruition, services improved, and opportunities were created for the people of the region.

Kavango East regional chairperson Damian Maghambayi highlighted poverty, unemployment, crime, and the lack of essential infrastructure as some challenges the region is faced with.

“The region’s growing population and its vast geographical spread have compounded these issues, with inadequate feeder roads, water supply, and limited access to quality education and healthcare being major concerns,” he said.

Maghambyai said human-wildlife conflicts and the lack of clean water are also pressing matters affecting rural communities.

“Many of our people still rely on the Kavango River for water, exposing them to risks of conflict with wild animals,” he said.

He urged the new governor to prioritise resolving these critical issues.

Maghambayi emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the region’s challenges.

“We must put aside secret meetings and backstabbing, and instead advocate for a unified approach that will uplift this region and improve the lives of all its people,” he said.

He said there is a need to reassess constituency boundaries, which have not been revisited in many years.

“A proposal was submitted to the fifth Boundary and Delimitation Commission, but no response has been received,” he said.

Proper demarcation, he argued, would improve service delivery to the people.