Rundu

Rundu is the capital of the Kavango-East Region, northern Namibia, on the border with Angola on the banks of the Kavango River about 1000 m above sea level. The place normally receives an annual average rainfall of 565 millimetres (22.2 in), although in the 2010/2011 rainy season 757 millimetres (29.8 in) were measured.

Rundu is growing rapidly. The 2001 census counted 36,964 inhabitants; and for the 2011 census it has climbed to 63,430.

History

In 1936 it became seat of the local governor as it replaced Nkurenkuru as capital of the Kavango district. The town has since grown into a multilingual city of the Kavango region and only recently its official status was changed to that of a town.

Since 1993, its St. Mary's Cathedral is the episcopal see of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Rundu.

Politics

Rundu is governed by a town council that currently has seven seats.

Geography

Localities

The oldest houses in Rundu are located in the Katutura area. These houses are mainly 2 bedroom homes with large backyards even though they are situated next to the central business district. On the west is Tutungeni, which means "let's build". This area was previously occupied by executives of the white-dominated businessplace, but now it is open for any willing buyer in need of a quiet neighbourhood. On the East is Safari. There are the middle-priced houses and were built in the 1970s.