More Than Peace Needed For Dignified Life – Geingob

By:Uakutura Kambaekua
President Hage Geingob says government is aware that people need more than peace and harmony to live a dignified life.
Geingob said this recently while inaugurating the Community Legacy Centre at Etoshapoort near Outjo.
“Although we have enjoyed peace and harmony for over three decades, the government is aware that people require more than these conditions to live a dignified life. People need food, shelter, clothing and access to basic necessities such as water, electricity, schools and medical care,” the President said.
“Many of you present today are aware of that because it is the need for these critical necessities that gave birth to this Community Legacy Centre here in Etoshapoort,” he said.
The centre, which was constructed in the middle of the seven informal settlements of the town, will provide critical services to residents including municipal services, a library, clinic, ablution facilities, policing, and other essential services typically inaccessible to vulnerable community members .
Geingob said the government’s attention has turned towards ushering in an era of prosperity in Namibia.
“As we continue with our national developmental initiatives, our attention has turned towards ushering in an era of prosperity in Namibia. We have declared an all-out war on poverty, inequality and corruption. In order to buttress these efforts, we have ensured that we put in place robust processes, systems and institutions to firm up the foundation of our governance architecture,” he added.
Furthermore, he noted that development must be people-centred while lauding the municipal and the regional councils for delivering an institution to bring services closer to the people and improve the quality of life of the town’s residents.
“By listening to the needs of the people, you have delivered a facility that will make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of the residents here in the Etoshapoort area,” he told the regional leadership.
The President further mentioned that a government should cater for those whose abilities allow them access to goods, capital and services as well as the less fortunate, who do not have the same opportunities to access goods, capital and services so that all the citizens of the country can live a dignified and respectful life.
“While we have an obligation to create within Namibia a conducive environment for business and investment-related activities, we also have an equally important task of ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society are taken care of,” he stated.
Geingob commented on those who have made the centre a reality. He called for the forging of allegiances to advance the development of the country with one initiative at a time, for the benefit of the current and future generations.
The actual funds for the construction of the centre are not yet known, but as per Outjo Constituency Councillor Johannes Antsino, various individuals including Cenored and Telecom Namibia contributed while another amount of N$ 200,000 including the Councillor’s entertainment budget was also added to the project.