Otjozondjupa Region

Unusual Fluorite specimen from Okorusu Mine, Otjiwarongo Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia. Size: 12.9 x 10.4 x 4.9 cm.

Otjozondjupa region is one of the fourteen regions of Namibia, its capital is Otjiwarongo. An outstanding landmark within this region is the Waterberg Plateau Park. Administration offices are based in Otjiwarongo which is the largest town in the region.

In the east, Otjozondjupa borders the North-West District of Botswana. Domestically, it borders the following regions:

• Omaheke - southeast
• Khomas - south
• Erongo - southwest
• Kunene - northwest
• Oshikoto - north
• Kavango - northeast

Otjozondjupa borders more regions than any other region of Namibia.

Governor of Otjozondjupa is Otto Ipinge. The region comprises seven constituencies:

• Grootfontein
• Okahandja
• Okakarara
• Omatako
• Otavi
• Otjiwarongo
• Tsumkwe

Economy and infrastructure

Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, Otavi, and Okahandja are linked by rail and by the main trunk road running from south to north. Communication systems between these areas are also of a high standard.

The farming activities of Okahandja and Otjiwarongo are homogenous as these parts are well known for cattle farming. The Otavi and Grootfontein districts, and to a lesser extent also Otjiwarongo, are the granary of Namibia. The region also has a great potential to establish industries connected with such farming activities and by-products of it. It further has the advantage of combining communal and commercial farming in the same region.

The infrastructure of the region is such that effective administration is possible. The state of development in the area, and the facilities available, form a solid basis for future development. This region has the potential to be economically independent.

According to the 2012 Namibia Labour Force Survey, unemployment in the region is 25.3%. Otjozondjupa has 72 schools with a total of 36,284 pupils.

See also

• Waterberg National Park