13 Jul 2026

Okavango District Council (ODC) has strengthened public awareness programme ahead of malaria season, which begins in October until March next year.

During a media briefing on the council’s achievements, challenges and strategic direction in Shakawe on Thursday, council chairperson, Mr Gaopalelwe Ronald said there was a possibility that malaria cases might surge due to high flood waters experienced in the Okavango Delta.

He said the public was encouraged to uphold malaria interventions among them avoiding stagnant water and allowing Indoor Residual Spray while the district leadership through the District Disaster Committee was monitoring the flood situation to see if the waters were receding or not.

Mr Ronald observed that the council was committed to the malaria fight, adding that about 40 000 mosquitoes repellent devices were distributed to the most affected communities earlier this year. 

Regarding waste management,  he said the council currently had challenges of landfill and lower carrying capacity dumping sites. He, however said landfill and rehabilitation of dumping sites were planned for the Okavango District under the National Development Plan 12 and the District Development Plan 9.

Mr Ronald said the landfill would help in waste management and recycling, which would benefit communities.

He said the council was currently seeking assistance from the business community to help fence the dumping sites. 

On achievements, Mr Ronald said ODC had attained 100 per cent in HIV/AIDS response and 93 per cent in maternal health. ENDS