By Jeremiah Ndjoze

South West Africa National Union (Swanu)’s candidate for the Otjombinde Constituency, in the forthcoming Regional Council and Local Authority Elections, Kueekuje Kazapua is calling for legislative amendments that will do away with bureaucratic bottlenecks that hampers the developmental efforts of constituency councillors. 
In an exclusive interview with Confidente this week, Kazapua maintained that the removal of deliberate delays in procurement processes, often caused by politically involved actors controlling those processes, would allow councilors to execute their duties efficiently and independently. 
The law could be amended to grant councilors direct oversight and decision-making power over local project implementation and budgeting. Strengthening accountability mechanisms for service delivery and establishing clear timelines for administrative processes would also benefit councilors by reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and politicization, ultimately enabling them to serve their communities effectively,” the 26 years old, who scooped his party’s candidacy after emerging victorious at the just concluded primaries stressed.
The youthful leader did not mince words when he reiterated that the position of constituency councilour in his area requires a fresh and proactive approach to seek development opportunities beyond central government support.
“I mean practical, community-driven solutions that empower us locally. For example, I plan to establish a community development fund financed through contributions from local businesses, cattle sales commissions, and diaspora support,” he said, adding that this fund will finance key local projects without waiting solely on government allocations. 
"I want to foster partnerships with the private sector and Non-Governmental Organisations to introduce vocational training, solar-powered energy projects, and small-to-medium enterprise incubators. This approach will diversify our local economy and create jobs. Encouraging local entrepreneurship, improving market accessibility, and promoting sustainable agriculture through small-scale irrigation schemes are also vital,” Kazapua said.
He further revealed that he is advocating for decentralization reforms to devolve more decision-making power and resources to constituency level. This, he said, will enable the leadership to respond faster and more effectively to the people's needs.  
“This strategy shifts development from centralized dependency to self-reliant, sustainable growth within Otjombinde,” he maintained.

CHALLENGES
Kazapua revealed that pressing challenges in his constituency, include poor road infrastructure, inadequate health services, uneven distribution of resources, as well as favoritism in project allotment. 
“My approach to tackling these issues involves advocating for better roads to improve livestock marketing, upgrading health facilities and services, and ensuring transparent and equitable resource allocation without political bias,” he maintained.
On diversity and inclusion, Kazapua vowed to work with all residents regardless of traditional affiliation, culture, religion, or political party affiliations, citing that “the office of the councilor must be non-partisan and accessible to every member of the constituency”. 
“I will work tirelessly to decentralize the office by establishing temporary offices to serve remote communities, especially advocating for the long-overdue demarcation of the Eiseb block as a separate constituency. This is critical for development and must not be politicized,” Kazapua stressed.
According to him, Otjombinde and the wider Omaheke region face significant socio-economic hardships including youth unemployment, reliance on subsistence farming and food aid, and a lack of basic services. Worse still, many residents live far from vital services, exacerbating feelings of marginalization.  
“Addressing this structural neglect is a core part of my agenda,” he added.
He further lamented the frequent power outages and poor infrastructure, which he said severely hamper local businesses and educational institutions. 
“Entrepreneurs endure financial losses due to unreliable electricity and long trips to procure stock, which spoil during blackouts. I therefore advocate for stable power, possibly through solar energy solutions, to sustain business growth and enhance living standards,” he stressed.
He further maintained that there is a need to establish a border post at ‘De Hoek’ – at settlement in the area – to connect Otjombinde with Botswana, citing that this cross-border infrastructural development would boost trade, tourism, and economic opportunities, benefiting communities like Tallismanus and fostering regional integration.
The young politician flagged as a particular concern, the plight of the San community who “live in inadequate housing and suffer from repeated failures in promised feeding schemes” and maintained that empowering them through livelihood training and opportunities will be a key priority in his administration. 
“With a young government and increased anti-corruption efforts nationally, I hope to drive transparent and accountable service delivery in Otjombinde,” Kazapua stressed.