Marythar Kambinda
KATIMA MULILO – The lack of enough funds to allow the Zambezi Rural Development Centre to carry out its development mandate is worrisome, as pointed out by local politicians.
Prime Minister (PM) Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who was on a two-day trip in the region last week, visited the Zambezi Rural Development Centre where a brief presentation on the facility was conducted by the regional leadership.
Warden Simushi, Katima Mulilo Rural councillor highlighted the fact that there are three rural development centres identified by government in three regions: Ohangwena, Kavango West and Zambezi, respectively.
He, however, noted with concern that Ohangwena and Kavango West centres received more funds than the centre in Zambezi region even though it is the same project.
Simushi added that the Mafwe Traditional Authority made a portion of land available in 2014, for extending the centre to cater for the needs of the local community but unfortunately, the money to extend is not available.
Micky Lukaezi, councillor of Sibbinda constituency, where the centre is located, said the Zambezi Rural Development Centre, at Masokotwani, is a multipurpose community centre aiming at improving the quality of livelihoods for rural communities in Zambezi region, with five hectares of land.
“The core service of the centre is to provide appropriate technology and hospitality services and it is fully funded by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development,” he said.
Lukaezi said the project started off with the compensation of N$574 244 as it is situated in a village. Phase 2 of the project started in 2019 with the construction of the hall, access road and parking shelters to the tune of N$10 million. The hall consists of a reception, office for staff, kitchen, cold room and storage.
Phase 3 will commence in the 2022/2023 financial year and will consist of the construction of bulk services, which include sewer and electricity supply estimated at N$6 million. He, however, repeated the same sentiments as Simushi about the funding for the centre, which is hampering its progress.
“We intend to commence with the construction of accommodation facilities to be followed by the metal workshop and a total budget of N$30 million will be needed to complete the project,” said Lukaezi.
He said when completed, the project would alleviate poverty in the region, which is one of the poorest in the country, according to the Namibia National Planning Commission.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila noted with concern the centre’s funding and promised to share the information with the line ministry.
“Inequitable distribution of opportunities affects community members. Every person is an asset and a community or person should never be seen as a burden,” said the PM.
“We recognise the importance of every Namibian and we are committed to ensuring that all Namibians are capacitated to contribute optimally to national development. We are committed to ensuring that all parts of Namibia are developed so that they can bring their part to ensuring that the Namibian economy is advanced and can develop optimally,” she said.
She further highlighted the fact that development centres are important components of development strategies.
“What has been brought so far should be protected and optimally utilised. That will help us complement the efforts that we are making to promote development and strengthen our ability to raise more funds, in order to ensure that the project is implemented in full,” she stated.