Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kamanjab Village Council, Bianca Nguaiko, has urged potential investors to apply for land for residential and commercial use to help the village council combat deprivation and generate jobs.

Nguaiko made the call in a recent interview with Nampa, saying to improve the integration of village planning and management, the council and potential investors must demonstrate a strong commitment to reforming policies and changing the village’s image.

‘Such investments will not only reduce poverty, but will also boost the quantity and calibre of infrastructure spending and fortify the institutions necessary to maintain and grow Kamanjab’s competitiveness,’ the CEO said.

Nguaiko also informed this agency that the village council’s financial affairs have been impacted by the high unemployment rate, which currently stands at over 50 per cent.

The high rate of unemployment means most people are unable to pay their taxes and rates.

‘Most people in Kamanjab do not work and it is alwa
ys difficult for them to pay their water, rates and taxes, and because the town is small, we only have small businesses and therefore, I would like to call for more investors,’ she stated.

The CEO went on to say that the council owns a sizable amount of land and that investors are encouraged to buy land and invest in the community.

Nguaiko further said the lack of funding has led to the council being unable to provide its services to all areas of the community.

‘Even though we are managing to pull through with the little we have, I must add that with insufficient funds, it is difficult to deliver services to all parts of the village equally.’

Despite the limited funding, the council was able to build roads with the help of the Road Fund Administration, connecting the town’s informal settlement to certain other areas.

The village council also acquired two vehicles that are used by the building and water departments and drilled boreholes at the beginning of 2024 to supply water directly to its residents in
stead of relying entirely on NamWater, which it owes N.dollars 3.5 million.

The village council also owes various suppliers and contractors N.dollars 14 million.

The CEO said the council intends to build its solar power plant to become self-sufficient and generate revenue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency