The Omusati Region

Omusati is one of the thirteen regions of Namibia. Uutapi at Ombalantu forms a natural centre for this region. Mopani tree is the dominant species; the Makalani Palms decrease rapidly westwards from the border with Oshana region. The change in vegetation type reflects ecological conditions forming a natural boundary between the two regions.

The northern part of this region is far more densely populated than the south, where the grazing is of poor quality and the water generally saline. This is predominantly an agricultural region in which mahangu is cultivated successfully. With intensive fertilisation and tilling of the soil, self-sufficiency should be attainable. Non-agricultural employment opportunities will need to be created, however. Potential for this does exist with the availability of some water from the canal and the planned expansion of the electricity grid to include Ombalantu and surrounding settlements.

The region is traversed by a high standard trunk road which provides a direct link to adjacent regions and the rest of the country. Although passenger and freight transport along this route is easy, the rest of this road network, in common with all the communal areas of northern Namibia, is of poor quality. There is no properly equipped hospital in the region, although the network of clinics does provide basic health services. The provision of schools is also inadequate and improvement in the position is expected.

In the north, Omusati borders the Cunene Province of Angola. Domestically, it borders the following regions:

    * Ohangwena - northeast
    * Oshana - east
    * Kunene - south and west

The region comprises nine constituencies: Onesi, Tsandi, Uutapi, Okalongo, Oshikuku, Elim, Okahao, Anamulenge, and Ogongo.