Kunene Governor's Outreach Programme Brings Services to Remote Namibian Communities

A joint stakeholder initiative spearheaded by Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua is targeting communities with limited access to government services along the Kunene coastline and the Angolan border. The programme, dubbed 'Kunene River Mouth Operation', aims to close service-delivery gaps while assessing community needs. The operation covers 11 settlements, including Terrace Bay, Mowe Bay, and Kunene River Mouth.

The outreach programme was necessitated by the difficulties residents face in accessing basic services, particularly healthcare and national identity documents. Residents often have to travel considerable distances to access these services. The programme seeks to facilitate the issuance of national identity documents, establish whether eligible residents are accessing government social grants, and assess household livelihoods and living conditions.

Healthcare services are being provided in identified areas, while officials are also examining the state of educational facilities, telecommunications infrastructure, and tourism activities. Vulnerable households are expected to benefit from humanitarian assistance and drought-relief food during the outreach. Community meetings will provide an opportunity for residents to raise concerns directly with government representatives.

On the security front, officials are engaging communities on policing and crime prevention while assessing legal and illegal activities, including possible illegal border-crossing points along Namibia's northern coastal boundary with Angola. The programme brings together officials and representatives from various institutions, including the Kunene Regional Council and the mines and energy ministry.

A key outcome of the exercise will be a comprehensive assessment report to be submitted to the relevant offices, ministries, and agencies for implementation. This report aims to ensure that the outreach goes beyond a once-off government visit, translating the needs and challenges identified on the ground into actionable interventions by the responsible institutions.

The outreach programme is set to take place annually, with the 2025 joint outreach conducted from 2 to 9 February last year. The governor's office official, Alpha Uzera, said the operation is progressing well and is expected to conclude soon. The programme also seeks to identify potential mining and agricultural opportunities, alongside challenges relating to water provision and other essential infrastructure.

The Kunene River Mouth Operation is a collaborative effort to address the unique challenges faced by remote communities in the region. By providing essential services and engaging with residents, the programme aims to improve the overall well-being of the communities and enhance access to government services.

Key points

• The outreach programme covers 11 remote settlements in the Kunene region.
• The programme aims to close service-delivery gaps and assess community needs.
• The operation is a collaborative effort between various government institutions and local authorities.