TRAVELLING long distances to access basic services, the absence of cellphone coverage, lack of schools and poor roads are just some of the challenges residents of the newly-created Nehale lya Mpingana constituency in the Oshikoto region feel aggrieved about.
During The Namibian’s visit to the area last week, some residents complained that they have to travel long distances when seeking medical assistance. They say the nearest health facility is the Oshivelo clinic, which is 110km away, and they have to pay N$150 to get there. Julia Nghikwetuwe, a resident of the Onghuumbwa village in the constituency, said the long distances people have to travel discouraged some from collecting their ARVs. Also, emergency cases, such as snake bites, meant that people died before reaching the clinic.
“Just imagine somebody who does not have money having to travel that distance. The clinic is far; not everyone can afford to take the trip,” she stated. The residents want the health ministry to designate health workers to visit villages.
Another challenge the communities of Nehale lya Mpingana face is the lack of schools in the area. Pupils of Onghuumbwa and Ohainghete villages attend school at Onashiye Primary School, which is 10km away. This school, however, only runs up to Grade 4. Those who pass Grade 4 mostly stay at home as they have nowhere else to go. Schools which offer higher grades are approximately 30km away.
“They just stay at home. If you could stay until early evening, you will see them here. We drink together. What else can they do?,” Nghikwetuwe said. She counted about 20 of the dropouts, adding that some young children have also dropped out of school due to the long distances. The community wants government to build a school that goes up to Grade 10.
The residents also complained about the choice of the place where the regional councillor’s office will be situated. They said that Omboto, where the office will be built, was too far away. They want the office to be built next to the Ondonga Traditional Authority office. “Omboto is far. How can you travel 40km to see the councillor? Why did they not put it next to the office of the traditional authority?” asked Kaavila Shingeya.
Shingeya added that government should also consider making the ‘polopolo’ road a gravel road as it was a very important link. This sandy track runs from Rundu in Kavango West, to Okongo in the Ohangwena region, and passes through the Mangetti area of Oshikoto.
It was ‘constructed’ by the South African army during the pre-independence era to patrol the Kavango and erstwhile Owambo borders. Currently, only 4X4 vehicles can travel on it due to the excessive sandiness.
“If government can make ‘polopolo’ a gravel or tarred road, then people, especially farmers, will smile as they will not have to travel long distances any more,” he stated. The area also does not have cellphone coverage, and residents have to travel to either Emanya or Elave to make calls. These two places are about 20km to the east. Nehale lya Mpingana councillor Levi Shiningombwa told The Namibian upon enquiry that the Oshikoto regional council was aware of the predicament of his constituency, but stressed that sometimes residents were too impatient.
“The regional council is aware of what they are facing; that is why this constituency was created. And they should remember that there will not be a school or clinic everywhere. The regional council has already identified where schools, roads and new clinics will be built,” he stated.
Shiningombwa added that he was not the one who had decided that the office of the regional councillor should be at Omboto, but that it was decided by the previous regional administration.
