17 Jul 2014

 The western region which comprise of Ngamiland, Ghanzi and Kgalagadi districts have been described as economically viable despite challenges.

Ghanzi District commissioner, Mr Andina Dintwa said this at a three-day Vision 2016 first regional conference in Ghanzi on July 15. The conference was held ahead of the Vision 2016 launch month billed for Tsootsha in Ghanzi District in August.

Mr Dintwa said the western region was rich in tourism with wild game as well as the culture found in the three districts. He said with similarities in the three districts, the region stood out from the rest and prided itself in rich culture of its ethnic groups as well as rich cultural artifacts.

He said the western region had the potential to transform the lives of its inhabitants and promote economic growth and create wealth towards Vision 2016, using such natural resources.

He cited Ngamiland as dominant in tourism mentioning the Okavango Delta which recently listed as the world heritage site, fishery, handcrafts and baskets; saying these can be areas of focus to develop the livelihoods of the people of that district.

Similarly with Ghanzi and Kgalagadi districts, Mr Dintwa said the two were rich in livestock especially cattle and small stock respectively. He said Ghanzi District produced the best breeds in the country while the Kgalagadi was rich in small stock.

He said with available cultural and sport tourism activities in these districts such as Khawa Dune Challenge, Kuru festival, Ghanzi agricultural show and the newly introduced Ghanzi meat festival; communities in these areas should thrive to make them sustainable such that they transform communities to a better life.

However, with all the rich cultural and sport tourism in this region, Mr Dintwa cited challenges which somehow slow the development of the region. He said the area is a vast and sparsely populated region with high rate of poverty as well as illiteracy. 

The geographical infrastructure also, Mr Dintwa said is a challenge especially to investors. He said the region is heavily endured with sandy gravel roads across.

He said the high poverty rates leads to malnutrition in the region while illiteracy results in majority of communities especially youths relying on programs from government. 

He therefore said there is need to educate people and also change the mindset of people towards the importance of education.

Such challenges, Mr Dintwa said delay developments in the area as investors are often reluctant to invest. Nevertheless, he said they are hopeful and optimistic that there will be light with Trans Kalahari high way as well as hopes of Trans Kalahari rail line to Namibia, which he said would provide easy access for investors to reach the western region and eventually affording the Kgalagadi, Ghanzi and Ngamiland districts a chance to prosper. ENDS