Veld fires, drought pose challenge

RUNDU – Veld fires, drought and the HIV-AIDS pandemic have been singled as the biggest challenges hindering progress and development in the Kavango Region.

Addressing staff of the Kavango Regional Council (KRC) at their end-year function over the weekend, newly re-elected Kavango Governor John Thighuru stressed that despite some success made by the Regional Council during the year under review, uncontrolled veld fires were a serious problem responsible for destroying the region’s vegetation. “This is a serious problem that needs concerted efforts from all the inhabitants of the region,” said the Governor.As for the drought in the region, Thighuru said he as disturbed to note that some inhabitants in the region still did not have food.He called for intervention to ensure that such people benefit from food aid programmes.With the HIV-AIDS pandemic reportedly still increasing in the region, the Governor appealed for an attitude change among residents, saying that a sick nation would never develop.The Governor urged residents not to believe in superstitions surrounding the disease.Among the Council’s highlights for the year, Thighuru listed the proclamation of Nkurenkuru as a town, the completion of five constituency offices and the donation of N$280 000 to sustainable projects.”This is a serious problem that needs concerted efforts from all the inhabitants of the region,” said the Governor.As for the drought in the region, Thighuru said he as disturbed to note that some inhabitants in the region still did not have food.He called for intervention to ensure that such people benefit from food aid programmes.With the HIV-AIDS pandemic reportedly still increasing in the region, the Governor appealed for an attitude change among residents, saying that a sick nation would never develop.The Governor urged residents not to believe in superstitions surrounding the disease.Among the Council’s highlights for the year, Thighuru listed the proclamation of Nkurenkuru as a town, the completion of five constituency offices and the donation of N$280 000 to sustainable projects.