12 Apr 2018

Following a visit by Zambezi Regional Council delegation on a benchmarking mission at the North West District Council, both councils’ leadership have shown interest to advance their relationship for the benefit of their communities.

The two council chairpersons realised that they could take advantage of opportunities they offered as it had been indicated that they were excelling in certain areas and programmes.

The delegation from Zambezi was impressed by some programmes such as school feeding, the way schools were constructed, waste management and agricultural programmes aimed towards food security.

This was revealed after the delegation toured some projects in the district such as Legotlhwane tented school, landfill and some teachers’ houses constructed under Economic Stimulus Programme and waste water projects.

North West District Council chairperson, Mr Duncan Enga appreciated the visit by the delegation, noting that he was optimistic that it would bear fruits going forward.

He said his council could learn best practices from their neighbouring council, which he said was advanced in education, adding that here they still faced a challenge of teacher-student ratio.

He said they could also learn how the council could generate its own revenue.

His council secretary, Mr Charles Amos informed their counterparts that they were still a growing institution as compared to the rest of councils across the country.

He explained that their council appeared to be unique because of its size, location, noting that it was more remote and as such they needed a bigger family around as they could not make it on their one.
He appreciated the exchange visit, adding it could grow their institution if they combined different visions.

Mr Amos stated that they were still looking forward to learn more from Zambezi, adding that they wanted to ensure the district became more attractive since it was a tourism hub.

However, chief regional officer from Zambezi, Regina Ndopu-Lubinda said the district had to improve on town planning, noting that they were amazed to learn that residents built their beautiful houses haphazardly.

She indicated that in their region, they had proper town planning.

She also shared that they had property ownership progarmme in Namibia, where government promoted housing ownership even to the low income class.

She also stated that they were impressed by waste management, variety of food provided in schools, presentation of agricultural sector and destitution policy.

Ms Ndopu-Lubinda said the exchange trip was an eye opener on their side, saying there was no need to go to Europe as they could learn from Botswana, just across the border.

“I am more impressed about the schools feeding programme since in our region we only provide porridge, but here you provide a variety of food,” she added.

She said they believed they could adopt some of the policies and practice in their district such as construction of teachers’ houses and fencing of schools.

“In Zambezi we emphasise on access to education as we build schools even in small villages unlike here where schools are built in recognised villages.

Meanwhile, both councils will have to digest and finalise on areas of cooperation and consider twinning, going forward after the North West’s return trip to Zambezi. Ends