Kathindicalled onstakeholders to continue partnering with government on water scarcity
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“He also called on stakeholders to continue partnering with government in addressing water scarcity to ensure all Oshikoto residents have access to safe, potable drinking water.”
Governor Sacky KathindiannouncedOffice of the Prime Minister pursuing revival of Oshigambo Canal Project
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“I also wish to inform the region that the Office of the Prime Minister, working in close collaboration with the Office of the Governor and other relevant stakeholders, is actively pursuing the revival of the Oshigambo Canal Project.”
“The Governor of the Oshikoto Region, Sacky Kathindi, has expressed concern over the region's rising crime rate, revealing that reported crime increased by 404 cases — a 35.5% rise between the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years.”
Sacky Kathindirevealedthat 1,541 crimes were registered in Oshikoto Region during 2025/2026 financial year
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“Kathindi revealed that a total of 1,541 crimes were registered in the Oshikoto Region during the 2025/2026 financial year, compared to 1,137 cases recorded in the previous year.”
Governor Sacky Kathindisaid the region needsapproximately N$22 million to address water challenges
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“Auleria Wakudumo Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi said the region needs approximately N$22 million to comprehensively address persistent water challenges affecting communities across the region.”
Governor Kathindihas engagedNamport, Jendev and Hangana for water infrastructure development support
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“The governor added that his office has also engaged several stakeholders and potential partners to mobilise additional support for water infrastructure development. Among the institutions approached are Namport, Jendev and Hangana.”
Sacky Kathindiunveiledinitiative to transform region's saline underground water into aquaculture resource
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“Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has unveiled an initiative aimed at transforming the region's saline underground water into a resource for aquaculture development and improved food security.”
Two remote villages in Oshikoto region—Oluundje and Evale—will receive solar-powered off-grid desalination plants valued at more than N$3 million, with construction beginning in September to address chronic water shortages and improve food security. The systems will also incorporate community aquaculture, with water discharged from desalination used to support fish tanks with more than 1,500 fingerlings expected to mature within six months.
Two remote villages in Oshikoto region—Oluundje and Evale—will receive solar-powered off-grid desalination plants valued at more than N$3 million, with construction beginning in September to address chronic water shortages and improve food security. The systems will also incorporate community aquaculture, with water discharged from desalination used to support fish tanks with more than 1,500 fingerlings expected to mature within six months.
The Environmental Investment Fund has allocated N$6.4 million for water infrastructure projects in Oshikoto Region, including boreholes, pipeline rehabilitation, and a desalination plant, with construction expected to commence before the end of July 2026.
The Governor of Oshikoto Region reported that crimes increased by 404 cases—a 35.5% rise—from the 2024/2025 to 2025/2026 financial years, with total reported crimes rising from 1,137 to 1,541 cases. Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was the most prevalent offence, recorded at 945 cases, while rape cases increased by 41.7% and drug-related offences more than doubled.
Governors of Ohangwena and Kunene regions have raised alarm about ongoing medicine shortages at public health facilities, with hospitals in Opuwo, Khorixas and elsewhere running low on medication for about three months. The shortages particularly affect chronic illness treatments including diabetes, hypertension, ARVs and tuberculosis medication, forcing patients to queue for long periods only to find prescribed drugs unavailable.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the opening of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Ohangwena that development must not come at the expense of cultural identity. She noted the festival boosts the local economy through accommodation, transport, and informal trade, and announced the government will focus on improving existing agricultural schemes rather than establishing new ones.
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi said the region needs approximately N$22 million to comprehensively address water challenges affecting communities. The region recently secured N$6.4 million from the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia for the initial phase, with technical assessments underway to determine boreholes for drilling and rehabilitation.
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has announced an initiative to desalinate the region's saline underground water for drinking and irrigation, while using the brine by-product for fish farming. The region has secured N$6.4 million from the Environmental Investment Fund, with plans to diversify livelihoods in water-stressed constituencies through aquaculture training and development.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services will not take disciplinary action against four nurses, an intern doctor, and a doctor from Onandjokwe State Hospital accused of defrauding Sanlam of about N$1.9 million until police investigations are completed. The 12 arrested individuals are alleged to have helped members of the public claim insurance payouts using fake documents and fake death claims between 2020 and 2024.
A 120-bed maternity ward at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital in Oshikoto has been inaugurated by Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao. The facility, costing N$57 million and described as the largest in the country, replaces a 1964-era maternity building and aims to address long-standing healthcare needs for expectant and new mothers.
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao officially opened Namibia's largest maternity unit at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital in Oshikoto region, featuring a 120-bed capacity with 12 private rooms, two operating theatres, and comprehensive services for antenatal care, labour, delivery, and post-natal support. The facility, built at a cost of N$57 million, is expected to reduce pressure on existing facilities and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region.
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has urged the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to regulate gaming, entertainment and lotteries through a collaborative approach that promotes economic growth and job creation while protecting communities from addiction and exploitation. The proposed amendments to the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act aim to modernise regulations, strengthen compliance, curb illegal operators and promote responsible gambling.
Desalination plants and reverse osmosis systems will be constructed in Oshikoto to tackle water shortages caused by the region's saline underground water. The projects are expected to take three to four months to complete, beginning after the rainy season and finishing before August, with pipelines linking boreholes to supply communities, livestock, and agriculture.
Regional Governor Sacky Kathindi stressed that Oshikoto Region's progress depends on unity and mutual respect among public servants, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, open communication, and cooperation between the Regional Council, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders for effective service delivery.
Oshikoto Regional Council chairperson Sacky Nangula has urged administrators and public servants to embrace innovation and collaboration to fulfil pledges made to voters, calling for a shift from routine practices under a "Business Unusual" approach. The governor echoed the call for commitment, integrity and teamwork, emphasizing that regional progress depends on unity, mutual respect and open communication among all staff and stakeholders.
Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations across all 14 regions carried a unified message from political and community leaders to preserve the liberation legacy, strengthen unity, and address youth unemployment and economic inequality. While acknowledging democratic achievements and progress in service delivery, leaders emphasised that political independence must now be matched by economic emancipation and that youth must drive future development.
Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi denied that keynote speakers for regional Independence Day celebrations were chosen based on political affiliation, saying the selection was a collective decision focused on the region's challenges and service delivery rather than party considerations.
Nahas Angula and regional officials have defended the selection of 11 Swapo members as speakers for Oshikoto's 36th Independence Day event, saying the invitations were issued by the regional council and constituency leadership based on availability and status as leaders, not political affiliation. They acknowledge that Independence Day is a national event open to all Namibians and claim non-Swapo members were also invited, though specifics were not provided.
The Oshikoto Regional Governor's office has distributed tools and equipment to beneficiaries of its Micro Income-Generating Projects Programme, enabling retailers, gardeners, welders and other small entrepreneurs to reduce operating costs and expand their enterprises. The initiative aims to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and inclusive local economic development across five constituencies.
Namibia's Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare reported 3,319 cases of child neglect since 2023, with Oshikoto region recording the highest number at 661 cases. The ministry attributes the rise primarily to unemployment, substance abuse, and family instability, and warns that many more cases likely go unreported due to social stigma and fear.
Sem Pendapala Nepando, assistant headman of Iikokola village in Oshikoto region, was shot and killed on 2 January 2026 during a community meeting over a land dispute. Thousands of mourners attended his funeral at Onamutene cemetery on Saturday, with local leaders praising his commitment to peace and service; the accused remains in custody pending trial.