By Petronella Sibeene WINDHOEK Preparations are in full swing for the nationwide celebrations to mark the country’s seventeenth independence anniversary. And even though government has recorded considerable success in building a better Namibia for every citizen, some opposition parties feel there are some areas that have not received the attention they deserve to give the full meaning to independence. President of the Congress of Democrats (CoD) Ben Ulenga says while the country celebrates its 17th year of independence, the party remains concerned about the poverty situation which afflicts the majority of Namibians. Unemployment remains another challenge in the country and according to Ulenga, this has affected many people’s dignity as they fail to provide for their families. Further, this has contributed to rising crime. Another area that calls for prompt action, Ulenga says, is the inescapable failure that the education system is. The nation has allowed the majority of school-going children to leave school without any qualification and therefore a scant chance of employment, said the opposition leader. “We should use this 17th anniversary of our country’s independence to reflect on how to make successful completion of school a rule rather than an exception for all our children,” he says. Katuutire Kaura, the President of the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), praised Namibians for ensuring that peace prevails for the past 17 years. While there is peace at home Kaura expressed concern at the government’s failure to voice disappointment at the situation in Zimbabwe. He views this as a bad signal from the Namibian government. He says NEPAD encourages leaders to correct one another where peace in a particular country is tempered and Namibia as a neighbour of Zimbabwe is expected to do so. Generally, Kaura praised President Hifikepunye Pohamba for introducing an open-door policy. “For the past two years, we have been given an opportunity to consult one another on issues of national interest. That is the whole essence of democracy and it is highly appreciated,” he said. Further, the ruling Swapo backbenchers in parliament can table motions, something that never happened in 15 years, he added. Kaura also expressed satisfaction with the recently tabled budget, adding that it has positive aspects in it. The education sector has in the past years enjoyed a considerable allocation in the budget. Like many others, Kaura expressed dissatisfaction at the results of learners and called for an improvement in this sector. The Chief Whip of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) party Arnold Tjihuiko praised the government for the achievements recorded in some areas. He shared the same sentiments as Kaura on the education sector, adding that it is a total disaster. He called on the government to look into the health sector as well, especially that health facilities in rural areas are not in a “good” state. “The country belongs to all of us, let us hold hands and ensure that we build a prosperous Namibia,” he concluded.