Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has urged regional leaders to address growing social challenges, warning that unresolved issues could undermine development efforts in the region.
Speaking during his state of the region address in Opuwo on Tuesday, Muharukua said the region recorded 1 793 cases involving socially vulnerable individuals, as well as 129 substance abuse cases, 89 attempted suicide cases and 46 gender-based violence cases in the last several months.
“The figures reflect growing social pressures within our communities and failure to address these challenges could slow the region’s development,” Muharukua said.
He also called on councillors and other leaders to strengthen the delivery of government services, including healthcare, education and policing, saying they should take greater ownership of improving conditions in the region.
Muharukua urged leaders to focus on finding practical solutions rather than criticising existing systems, while stressing the need to improve pupil performance and strengthen educators’ commitment to raising education standards.
Despite the social challenges, the governor said crime in the region declined during the past year.
According to figures presented during the address, reported cases dropped from 2 683 in 2024 to 2 282 in 2025, with further decreases recorded during the first quarter of 2026.
