By: Peneyambeko Jonas
The Oniipa Rehabilitation Centre in the Oshikoto Region has received a vehicle donated by Indongo Toyota to improve transport for rehabilitation services and community outreach.
Speaking at the handover on Thursday, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the donation followed a visit by Vice President Lucia Witbooi to the centre in January, where she observed transport challenges affecting service delivery.
Ngurare, who represented Witbooi at the event, said the vehicle will assist the centre in transporting people with disabilities, conducting outreach programmes and delivering essential supplies.
“The vehicle will help improve access to rehabilitation services and support the centre’s daily operations,” he said.
He said the government wants all Namibians, including people with disabilities, to have access to services and opportunities.
Ngurare also encouraged businesses and development partners to support institutions that serve vulnerable communities.
Chief executive officer of the Frans Indongo Group, Jeremy George, said the company responded to the request because it believes businesses should contribute to community development.
“We are pleased to support the Oniipa Rehabilitation Centre and hope this vehicle will assist the staff in carrying out their work,” said George.
Oniipa Rehabilitation Centre manager, Lempie Kamati, added that “Reliable transport has been one of our challenges. This vehicle will help us reach more people and improve our outreach activities.”
Chairperson of the National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia, Theopolina Nakweya, echoed the importance of transport in ensuring persons with disabilities are able to access essential services.
The Oniipa Rehabilitation Centre provides rehabilitation services, braille production and community-based support for people with disabilities, mainly in northern Namibia.
The new vehicle is expected to improve the centre’s ability to deliver these services to communities across the region.
