Windhoek
The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Sophia Shaningwa, last week inaugurated the N$1.2 million office complex of the /Gobanin Traditional Authority at Goreses in Otjinene Constituency, Omaheke Region.
The complex consists of one executive office for /Gobanin Chief Stephanus Gariseb, three offices with built-in cupboards and a boardroom, a hall with a seating capacity of about 100 people and outside ablution facilities for the public.
In her address, Shaningwa appealed to the community of Goreses to be the eyes and ears of the traditional leadership in guarding the office complex and its facilities from vandals.
“Make sure, at all times, that this national property is taken proper care of, that it is kept spotless at all times, that it is maintained properly and that there is proper security,” Shaningwa said.
“Utilise this office complex and its facilities in such a manner that future generations would also continue utilising it for service delivery,” she added.
She said government remains committed to the provision of resources and infrastructure to recognise traditional authorities across the country.
“Government does recognise the vital role which chiefs of traditional authorities play in providing leadership and services at grass-roots level,” she said.
In that context, she said, government provides the chiefs and traditional authorities with transport, infrastructure such as an office complex, monthly allowance for secretaries and drivers, among others, to enable them to deliver effective and efficient services to communities in their areas of jurisdiction.
She said the recognition of chiefs is done in that way so that a traditional authority operates within the parameters of the law and be entrusted with the public or national assets of the country, including communal infrastructure such as offices.
“Recognised chiefs are required to administer national resources and assets for the benefit of their communities and in accordance with the requirements and provisions of the law regarding traditional authorities’ governance,” she said.
/Gobanin Chief Stephanus Gariseb commended the government for the first-class office complex and reassured government of the willingness of the /Gobanin people in working with government.
“We will continue to work hand in hand with the current government,” he said.