Zebaldt Ngaruka
ERINDI RAMORO – Well-known as Omimbonde Vitano, the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority (OTA) headquarters in Omauozonjanda in the Epukiro constituency is set to get a N$16 million facelift.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place recently at the sleepy village.
Speaking to New Era, senior traditional councillor Nanda Hionganda Murangi said an office is very important for the handling of the administrative affairs of an organisation.
The construction of the new office is long overdue, and the Ovambanderu people are pleased with the current developments, he added.
“This office is for all inhabitants of Epukiro, irrespective of their affiliations, as it is representing the government in dealing with traditional matters and land distribution to its people,” the councillor emphasised.
Murangi added that any OTA office is equivalent to a government office, and will help everyone in the region.
Furthermore, the senior councillor said the OTA has waited long and its leaders approached many offices in attempts to get the office build.
“This has started with our late chief Munjuku Nguvauva II, followed by late Kilus Munjuku III Nguvauva, and finally we can see the progress,” he observed.
Apart from the above mentioned amount, N$900 000 was spent on the fencing of the office complex.
The senior councillor, therefore, called on the community to refrain from vandalising the property, and avoid theft during the construction phase.
“We should cooperate with the contractors, and offer a helping hand where needed. This is our property, and it’s part of development,” Murangi stressed.
The OTA complex will include an administration block, conference hall and three bedrooms which will welcome the President, government officials and visitors.
There will also be a place for stalls and a parking lot, while the old traditional court building will be refurbished.
“This is for keeping our culture, as it was built during the colonial era. We will also avail facilities for the youth, especially those studying and conducting training,” he continued.
The construction of the office will take 14 months.
“We will continue with our work from the old office, and cases will be tried at our respective courts at the government office complex in Omauozonjanda. Any information can be obtained at our reception,” Murangi stated.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com