The Ohangwena regional leadership is looking to resolve their current issues over grazing land with Angolan farmers.
Thousands of cattle graze in the area.
The Governor, retired Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga, addressed the matter when he visited the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority along with the regional leadership.
High on Ndeitunga’s agenda was the need for resolution on grazing areas with Angola’s Cunene Province.
“It is my hope that, as a collective, we address the issue of our cattle grazing in Angola. Those with livestock there need to adhere to Angola’s set laws in order to maintain our diplomatic ties with them. Our visit to the palace is to cement our working relationships, which should be in the positive interests of our inhabitants and visitors alike. We can achieve more with your leadership.”
Other issues of importance noted were the provision of water and road infrastructure development.
Ndeitunga is optimistic that, given the cooperation between the regional leadership and the traditional authority, service to the people can be improved.
Ohangwena is the second-largest region, with a population of over 245,000 inhabitants in 2013.
The region has among the highest unemployment rates and incidents of poverty.
16,000 households here rely on drought relief, while 32,000 are yet to benefit from it.
The Ohamba of the Oukwanyama lauded the regional leadership for consulting with the traditional authority.
Martha ya Nelumbu urged both the traditional and political leaders to start working on their fields and urged them not to depend on the government for food aid.
“Put emphasis on that because even though it is raining, I am concerned that as I drive around, I see people seated at cucashops consuming alcohol and neglecting their mahangu fields. These are the same people who will come to the government and claim they are starving, but they don’t want to do anything.”
This was the first visit by Ndeitunga to the palace since his appointment as Ohangwena Governor.
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