By Petronella Sibeene WINDHOEK Swakopmund is caught up in a festive mood as all roads lead to the coastal town for the 17th independence day celebrations. Business is reportedly picking up as inland visitors stream into this beautifully decorated town for the independence celebrations. This year marks the historic 17th anniversary of Namibia’s freedom. One of the highlights of the celebrations is the visit of Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa who will be the guest of honour at the celebrations. He will address 20 000 people. “The event is so significant and historic that we will always remember and tell the future generations about it. It is a blessing to the Erongo region. It is the first time we will have two Heads of State addressing us on such a day,” Governor of Erongo Samuel Nuuyoma told New Era yesterday. President Hifikepunye Pohamba, accompanied by President Mwanawasa, will preside over the indepen-dence celebrations at the town. Other high-ranking political office-bearers from Zambia and the business fraternity from both countries will form part of the entourage. Nuuyoma added that people of Erongo are prepared to receive the guests, in particular Mwanawasa and his people. “Zambia supported Swapo during the liberation struggle and now the president will come and enjoy with us the fruits of independence that they helped us attain,” Nuuyoma said. All constituencies in the region are prepared for the big day. The regional office has organized buses to transport people from Walvis Bay, Arandis and Hentis Bay to the Central Soccer Stadium in Swakopmund where the event would be held. Gates at the stadium are expected to open at 06h30. The official address takes place at 10h00. “We are ready. There will be a lot of activities such as the cultural dances, soccer for both girls and boys and we have enough to feed our visitors,” added the governor. Accommodation facilities are also reported to be fully booked, and more people are still coming in. “There is a lot of excitement in the air as people are preparing themselves for the independence celebrations. Our town feels truly honoured because it is the first time since independence that we will be the focal point of the celebrations,” commented a hotel owner in the town. Law enforcement will also be stepped up consi-derably to assist in crime prevention. NamPol will also assist the traffic division wherever necessary during escort duties and general law enforcement. Inspector Tobias Gerber said the town was “prepared” for any eventuality. “We have enough personnel either for the protection of our visitors or general crime prevention. We will also station more police officers at the Inde-pendence Stadium in the town,” he assured. Usually people causing confusion and trouble are those under the influence of alcohol and according to Gerber, those found to be “misbehaving” will be dealt with accordingly. Meanwhile, Mwanawasa is scheduled to arrive in the country at midday today for a four-day State visit. Zambia’s First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa will accompany him. Mwanawasa and his entourage will arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport where President Hifikepunye Pohamba will welcome them. Apart from closed-door official talks the two Heads of State will hold, the Zambian President is expected to address an Independence Rally on the occasion of the 17th Independence anniversary at Swakopmund Stadium tomorrow. Speaker of the National Assembly Theo-Ben Gurirab will pay a courtesy call on the Zambian President. On Thursday, the Zambian President will visit the RÃÆ’Æ‘Æ‘ÃÆ”šÃ‚¶ssing Uranium Mine and will address the Erongo business community before visiting Etale Fishing Company at Walvis Bay. He will also visit the Walvis Bay Salt Chemicals company after which he will open the Zambian Trade Exhibition in the capital on Friday. Mwanawasa will also pay respects to the fallen heroes and heroines of Namibia by laying a wreath at Heroes Acre. The Zambian First Lady will visit the Oprah CrÃÆ’Æ‘Æ‘ÃÆ”šÃ‚¨che in Katutura and Elongo Pre-Primary in Otjomuise. She will also visit the Organisation for the Empowerment of Widows/Widowers and Orphans of HIV/AIDS (OEWONA), an organisation whose launch she witnessed in November 2005. Mwanawasa and his entourage are expected to depart on Saturday.