About Company
The Okavango District Council (ODC) is a local authority in Botswana, dedicated to delivering quality services and promoting sustainable development in the Okavango region. Situated in one of Botswana’s most ecologically rich and culturally diverse districts, the council focuses on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. It collaborates closely with communities, traditional leaders, and development partners to drive inclusive growth and resilience, ensuring the prosperity of the Okavango Delta and surrounding areas for future generations.
The administrative headquarters of the Okavango District Council is located in Gumare, a village in the North-West District of Botswana. Gumare serves as the administrative center for the Okavango Delta Subdistrict, which encompasses several villages and is characterized by its proximity to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The council operates under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and is responsible for local administration, including tribal administration, remote area development, and local governance. The executive powers of the council are vested in a commissioner appointed by the central government. The technical services wing of the Department of Local Government oversees the development of infrastructure such as roads, water supply, schools, and recreational facilities in the villages. All local administration staff, except for the District Administration staff, are selected through centralized services of the North West District Council, with the Ministry of Local Government being responsible for their training, deployment, and career development.
The Okavango District Council actively engages with the community through various platforms, including its official Facebook page, where it shares updates on projects, council sessions, and other initiatives. For instance, the council has shared live sessions of full council meetings and project launches, providing transparency and encouraging community participation.
In terms of gender representation, the council has made strides in promoting gender equality. As of 2015, the council had 4 women councillors and 15 men councillors, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance women’s participation in local governance.