Helao Nafidi ‘sidelined’ by govt

By Hileni Nembwaya
THE Helao Nafidi Town Council says it has not received any funding for capital projects from central government, since the proclamation of the town in 2004.
This was confirmed by Mayor Elias Nghipangelwa, who said this lack of fund­ing has adversely affected the town’s approach to urban land development.
Nghipangelwa, told Con­fidente that unlike other councils, which receive funding for their capital pro­jects from central govern­ment, Helao Nafidi is being sidelined.
“Most of the resources are diverted to the regional capi­tal (of Ohangwena), which is Eenhana. When the region­al council receives funding from the government, they push everything to Eenhana, without giving us anything. If you compare the two towns, there is a very big gap in terms of development,” said Nghipangelwa,.
He said Helao Nafidi Town Council is struggling to address its housing back­log, infrastructure develop­ment and the provision of essential services, such as the construction of tertiary institutions, schools and hospitals, to mention a few.
The council is currently trying to address the grow­ing housing waiting list, and has taken a decision to con­struct 70 houses at a cost of N$11 million.
This resolution was tak­en during a recent meeting, where the council decided to utilise its own funds to con­struct 70 houses for middle and low-income earners and 20 houses under the Build Together Programme.
“I cannot say we are ne­glected. But with the new minister on board, we hope she will assist us. We were never prioritised by the then government,” Nghipangelwa said.
This is said to be the first time the council is con­structing houses for resi­dents.
Efforts to get comment from Ohangwena Regional Governor, Usko Nghaamwa, proved futile.