By Magreth Nunuhe
WINDHOEK – A group of Otjiherero-speaking expatriates based in the United States would like to give a facelift to the Ovaherero Commando at Okahandja, which would involve fencing off the area, construction of a commemorative brick walkway with a combination of interlocks and landscaping.
Nduvaa Nguaiko, Stanley Kaitjindi, Regina Nguaiko, Gerson Kapi and Edwin Kaambo who are the main project contributors said that the idea was initiated by Ovaherero descendants in the Diaspora, but other interested citizens can also get involved during the development phase to make it a community effort.
“We intend to have the project completed by August 2015 pending approval by relevant authorities – the Okahandja Municipality and the Red Flag Foundation,” the group stated in their letter.
The project is to be financed through private donations, local community members, businesses and philanthropic organisations and the scope of the project will depend on the size of the area, time and budget estimation.
“We believe the improvements and future developments will benefit the Namibian tourism industry and conversely make Namibia competitive,” stated the group.
The project would beautify the Commando and Okahandja and attract other events to the area.
Furthermore, they said the improvements would also lay the foundation for future developments, such as the Ovaherero Cultural Visitor Centre, Ovaherero Museum, Ovaherero Library and Genocide Heroes Wall.
Interested parties are invited to visit their Facebook page at http://alturl.com/qbma9 or search for ‘In Loving Memory of our Chief’.
They can also be contacted at InMemoryOfChief@gmail.com