Bold claim: The core problem here is misallocating development funds, but real progress happens when leaders redirect surcharges and VAT refunds to tangible community projects. And this is the part most people miss: transparent, equitable funding can transform electricity access, clean water, and basic services in multiple constituencies. Here is a rewritten, fully unique version in clear, beginner-friendly language, preserving all key information and expanding slightly with context and examples for better understanding.
On the spot with John Muyamba – Maghambayi: Man of the people
New Era’s regional journalist John Muyamba (JM) sat down with Damian Maghambayi (DM), the former chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council, to discuss his tenure and impact.
JM asks: What are your most significant achievements as chair of Kavango East Regional Council and as Mukwe constituency councillor, and what measurable effects have they had on the region?
DM replies: My flagship achievement was guiding the Council to adopt a motion that reallocates surcharges from NORED and VAT refunds from purely operational costs to regional development. Previously, these funds mostly covered running expenses inside the Council. We decided they should finance development projects across the six constituencies and be distributed more equitably.
The outcomes have been life-changing for many communities. People gained access to electricity, improved clean water supplies, and income generated from project materials. Most councillors used the surcharge funds to extend electricity services. In Mukwe, we electrified Shamundambo and introduced clean water at Thikanduko.
Another notable success was tackling water shortages in Rudhiva, a hotspot for crocodile encounters due to river dependence. I engaged the River Dance Lodge owner through a community activist, and they funded drilling and borehole installation, with pipelines extending to serve the community.
We also received support from MUDIRO NGO, which drilled boreholes in the area. SLB Namibia, a high-tech energy firm, contributed by drilling and installing boreholes in Bwabwata, Omega 1, Shamakwi, and Bravo at Mushashani.
JM asks: How did you mobilize resources for your communities?
DM explains: As chairperson, I directed the chief regional officer to invite ReconAfrica to the Council to discuss their social responsibility commitments. ReconAfrica, a Canadian oil-and-gas company operating in the Kavango Basin, conducts seismic surveys and tests wells with Namcor to assess oil or gas reserves.
During our discussions with ReconAfrica, we highlighted key regional challenges: rural water scarcity driving human-wildlife conflict; funding gaps for vulnerable students; and shortages of healthcare equipment. In response, ReconAfrica supported multiple sectors—drilling additional boreholes, funding scholarships, and backing healthcare initiatives. I also petitioned the former prime minister about the Kavango East Regional Council’s insufficient budget from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. After meetings with the prime minister and officials from MURD, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Planning Commission, we secured an extra N$2.5 million for regional needs.
JM asks: What were the biggest frustrations and obstacles during your tenure, and how did you overcome them?
DM replies: I faced deliberate obstacles from some individuals or offices, but I stayed calm and relied on legal frameworks, citing the Namibian Constitution and the Regional Councils Act. Other challenges included incidents like food poisoning, human-wildlife conflicts, a lack of feeder roads, insufficient water, missing documents, clinic shortages, and unreliable electricity. We offered immediate funeral-day support for families affected by food poisoning. Special thanks to Honourable John Mutorwa for initiating a consultative meeting with Traditional Authorities and communities in Ndiyona to raise awareness of dangers.
Regarding human-wildlife conflict, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism drilled and installed boreholes in Mukwe and granted tourism concessions to the Hambukushu community in the Buffalo and Mahango core areas, which helped communities raise funds. We submitted a master plan for feeder roads to the Roads Authority, and it appears to be gaining traction, resulting in the operational status of Djaradjara Road, Andara – Shamaturu, and Rundu Kayengona Road. On water, a benchmarking study in Zambezi showed the region is connected by pipelines from the Zambezi River. We recommended a similar approach for Kavango East, which led to the Rundu Water Treatment Plant connecting the region to centralized water supply through pipelines. On national documents, we launched outreach programs with the Ministry of Home Affairs to help residents obtain official documents. We also invited the minister of mines and energy to evaluate regional electricity needs.
JM asks: Which unresolved projects or issues should the incoming councillors prioritize?
DM says: The new team must implement the feeder-roads master plan. For water concerns, we identified villages most vulnerable to crocodile attacks; incoming councillors should ensure boreholes are drilled there. We also renewed our agreement with Mashonaland West to support food security and governance, proposing projects to uplift the region that should be prioritized.
JM asks: What is your single most important piece of advice for the incoming chairperson?
DM answers: Stay composed, listen carefully to residents on mudukuli, and tune in to Wato radio FM. Avoid being bossy. Let the Regional Councils Act and Code of Conduct guide your actions.
JM asks: Were there decisions you chose to avoid, and in hindsight, was that the right call?
DM reflects: Yes. I avoided decisions that would advance a particular ethnic group without the consent of Traditional Authorities. I believe this restraint was correct.
JM asks: Based on your experience, what reforms are needed in the council’s structure or processes to improve service delivery?
DM argues: The council needs a stronger legal mandate and more resources, not just structural reforms. Section 28 of the Regional Councils Act grants powers derived from Article 108 of the Namibian Constitution, enabling the Council to plan and develop the region. This includes considering the region’s physical, social, and economic attributes, neighboring areas, population distribution, growth, movement, urbanization, natural resources, economic potential, and existing or planned infrastructure such as water, electricity, communication, and transport. These powers must be fully supported with resources so the Council can effectively serve Kavango East residents. Planners should not stay confined to offices; they must engage with communities in remote areas to involve them in the planning process.
JM asks: What are the next steps and future plans?
DM concludes: I am a community activator at heart. If the government doesn’t offer a formal role, I plan to establish an NGO to support community welfare, combat poverty, and improve access to essential services. The focus remains on empowering people and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the region.
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