Windhoek — President Hifikepunye Pohamba says the government has so far purchased 37 farms in the Otjozondjupa region, and resettled 96 families from that region.

Pohamba said in Otjiwarongo last week that the government's commitment to land reform continues, as evidenced by the allocation of substantial resources towards the purchase of land for the resettled.

Pohamba said access to land remains crucial for people in this region.

"Government is also working actively to secure other markets for products of our farmers in order to improve the income streams of our agronomic industry," Pohamba said. He said said housing is one of the basic needs for human beings.

"This is being done through the Build Together program, the Clay Houses project and the Shack Dwellers Federation," he said.

Through these programs, Pohamba said, many of the residents in Otjiwarongo have acquired their own houses. Over 273 houses have been built in the region under the Build Together program.

In addition, education is the key to a better life for all residents.

"The government is committed to strengthening and improving the quality of education for all our learners," he said, adding that they will continue to expand and improve access to education by building new schools, classrooms and providing text books. "I believe that every Namibian child of school-going age must be able to go to school," Pohamba said. The Otjozondjupa region has 65 schools, including private schools.

"This wealth of educational facilities undoubtedly facilitates the education of our leaders of tomorrow," Pohamba said.