15 Aug 2019

Ghanzi District Council and Omaheke regional council in Namibia have strengthened their relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoA).

The MoU covers economic and social empowerment, education, arts and culture, waste management, support for vulnerable and marginalised groups as well as agriculture.

The two councils had working agreements in 2009 and 2014 and were now strengthening the existing relationship.

Speaking during the signing of MoU in Charleshill on August 14, Ghanzi District Council chairperson, Mr Galetlhaole Sixpence said the signing of MoA would deliver life changing prospects.

“The strategic partnership should be built on project driven collaboration aimed at achieving development, exchange of experiences and assistance where possible,” he said.

Mr Sixpence said they would learn from Omaheke regional council how they developed their economy given their comparative advantage over other regions of Namibia. 

He noted that Ghanzi region was in the process of developing Local Economic Development (LED) strategy, concentrating more on processing and producing medicines /herbs to create more sustainable jobs for the community.

Regarding cattle industry, he said, they would look into the beef industry value chain.

Mr Sixpence was hopeful that they would derive some partnership and open borders for exportation of meat and other products from cattle.

He said they would explore more on crop production and horticulture and exchange ideas on how to generate jobs.

For his part, the Omaheke regional council chairperson, Mr Ignatius Kariseb expressed gratitude that Omaheke region and Ghanzi were united for a good course.

Mr Kariseb said when Ghanzi initiated the signing of MoA, they acceded ‘without any hesitation’ to grab the ‘golden opportunity’ and they consulted with stakeholders to make their input.

He said besides sharing a border, Omaheke and Ghanzi regions have common elements as they both lie within the Kalahari region and are classified as semi-arid, have abundance of livestock and are leading producers of beef in their respective countries.

Furthermore, Mr Kariseb said geographically Omaheke and Ghanzi have the smallest population, adding that the MoU would not only leverage their mutual understanding but would also facilitate exchange of experience and skills on matters related to health and social services, particularly curbing malaria, TB, HIV and Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Both councils, he said, would work together in areas of education, agriculture, waste management, including recycling and re use of waste, cleaning of streets and open spaces.

Other areas of cooperation covered exhibitions, celebration and sporting activities.

He stated that MoU would also build capacity of political bearers and staff of both councils in the concept of decentralization through national and international statues and exchange programs.

Mr Kariseb said they would establish a joint technical committee of six people to develop an annual operational plan to implement the MoU.

He thanked Ghanzi for initiating the renewal of the MoU.  Ends