Zambezi Governor delivers her first SORA

By Kimmie Mikatazo

Newly appointed Governor of Zambezi Region, Hon. Dorothy Kabula, delivered her first State of the Region Address (SORA) on Tuesday outlining the region’s progress, key developmental projects, and future priorities.

The event was attended by regional leaders, traditional authorities, stakeholders, and members of the public.

In her address, Hon Kabula highlighted the region’s achievements over the past year, including improvements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, trade, and town development.

She also emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation, particularly with Zambia and Botswana, in managing shared resources and boosting regional trade.

On security, she reported that the region remained stable, with 26 police operations leading to 349 arrests. Significant developments included the construction of the Greenwell Matongo Police Station, the opening of three satellite police stations, and the launch of border immigration and civil registration offices.

In the education sector, the region completed new schools and classroom blocks across various constituencies, with a notable rise in academic performance from position 8 to 6 nationally. The Governor also praised China for its support in building two modern rural schools.

The health sector recorded progress with the construction of a dental unit, a dialysis unit, and upgrades to several clinics.

She however, reiterated the region’s call to upgrade Katima Mulilo District Hospital to an Intermediate Hospital, citing patient risks during long-distance referrals to Rundu and Windhoek Intermediate Hospitals.

On economic development, Governor Kabula revealed that trade volumes at border posts increased significantly, with imports valued at N$71 billion and exports at N$20 billion, driven by the region’s strategic location in the SADC trade corridor. Progress was also made on the planned One Stop Border Post (OSBP) with Zambia.

On the local front, the region made strides in town development, with Katima Mulilo Town Council initiating several housing projects and bulk infrastructure upgrades. Similarly, Bukalo Village Council serviced land and began constructing houses under the Shack Dwellers Federation.

Challenges mentioned include a lack of truck port infrastructure, porous borders, inadequate network coverage, and delays in wildlife conflict compensation.

She further Kabula announced that the region will focus on expanding Green Schemes, electrifying more rural schools, upgrading roads and hospital facilities, and completing the Kongola Settlement Office.

The Governor concluded by calling for unity and collective effort to build a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous Zambezi Region.

ENDs…