Zebaldt Ngaruka
OHAMBO JATATE – The construction of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority headquarters worth N$16 million, affectionately known as the Omimbonde Vitano office in Omaueuozonjanda, created employment for 17 youths in the Epukiro constituency. The construction committee’s chairperson Pineas Siririka confirmed this to New Era, adding that the selection process was done in conjunction with the constituency councillor
and the settlement’s office.
“The OTA made announcements through
various communication platforms for those interested to apply, and the selection was done,
while the first phase of construction is underway,” he stated.
Siririka, who is also one of the senior OTA councillors, added that the project will later need expertise during the various phases of construction.
“This is the beginning, and only 17 employees were catered for. Those with qualifications like in plumbing can be added at a later stage, but that will be determined by the contractors,” he noted.
The senior councillor was happy to see youth from the Epukiro constituency employed for the construction of the office.
The OTA complex will include an administration block, conference hall and three rooms, 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.
Meanwhile, Siririka rubbished allegations that only Ovambanderu youth are employed in the project, emphasising that they have also accommodated youth from marginalised groups like the San community.
“We even recruited a Damara lady from Okovimburu village, and we do not have room to play tribal cards here,” the councillor stressed.
Contacted for comment by this publication, James Tjilondelo, who is the managing member of the Capital Technical Services, confirmed that 17 youth are currently employed at this initial stage.
“Only one employee is from outside Epukiro. We have commenced, and our priority is people from Epukiro at this stage. We will need approximately 30 employees for the completion of this project. We will continue looking for skilled bricklayers, plumbers and other experts as time goes on,” he added.
Tjilondelo said the project’s foreman is indeed a youth from the constituency.
The completion of OTA’s HQ is expected by April 2025.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com