The new headquarters was inaugurated by President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Tuesday.

The four-storey building was funded by the Chinese government to the tune of N$22 million and built by the Chinese construction company Ziangsu Zhengtai.

President Pohamba said the Oshikoto Regional Council had made a wise decision to relocate its headquarters to Omuthiya, because the town was situated in the centre of the region.

"For many years, the residents of the Oshikoto Region, especially those in the central parts of the region, had to travel many kilometres to access services such as banking or shopping.

They had to travel to either Tsumeb or Ondangwa, but now all residents of Oshikoto can easily reach their headquarters," the President said.

"People from Tsumeb and people from the Oshigambo area are now travelling equal distances to reach Omuthiya."

Pohamba said the development of Omuthiya as the regional capital would create job opportunities as banks, retailers, doctors and other professionals would establish themselves at the growing town.

That would relieve the migration burden on Tsumeb, which is the only fully developed town in Oshikoto.

He said the Regional Council had already provided water and sewerage services at a cost of N$15 million, while a further N$20 million would be invested during the current and next financial years.

Omuthiya residents are voting for their first Town Council on September 26.

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