Paheja Siririka
More than 700 people have thus far signed an online petition calling for the lush green Parliament Gardens to be reopened to members of the public. Beatriz Coutinho started the petition about a week ago, saying it aims to show authorities that the public wants to use the garden again.
“A therapeutic open space that allows families to be together in a safe and green environment, helping people’s mental health and socialisation,” she was quoted as saying.
Before its closure in 2020 as part of Covid-19 regulations, the garden was popular for hosting small parties, picnics, wedding and matric photoshoots, or just by people lounging on the benches under the tall trees whilst taking in the tranquil atmosphere and cool breeze. The sprouting fountain was also a great photo prop. Parliament Gardens is a small park located between the Parliament building and the Christuskirche. It was laid out in 1932 and was originally called the Tintenpalast gardens, adopting its present name after Namibian independence in 1990.
The gardens contain Namibia’s first post-independence shrine: a bronze-cast statue of Herero chief Hosea Kutako. Two other Namibian nationalists are also honoured with bronze statues in the gardens: Hendrik Samuel Witbooi and Theophilus Hamutumbangela. The three statues flank the steps up to the parliament’s main entrance. It used to be an olive plantation, and still includes an olive grove. They also contain a bowling green lined with bougainvilleas, along with a thatched-roof clubhouse.
Senior information officer at Parliament Rafael Hangula said the gardens were closed for public and private functions, with the exception of state events.
“The gardens were closed due to Covid-19 in 2020. In addition, the gardens need a new look and are now undergoing turf regeneration. Apart from the restoration efforts of the lawn and trees, Parliament is busy engaging to mobilise funds to renovate the ablution facilities in the gardens that are not operational now. These efforts are necessary, as they aim to create a conducive and hygienic environment in the gardens once it is open to the public,” he explained.
The institution procured a new lawn and fertilisers, amongst others, as a result of ongoing maintenance, said Hangula, assuring the public that the gardens will be open after the completion of the ongoing maintenance. He could not say how long it would take to finalise the refurbishment.
Find the petition at: www.change.org/p/reopening-parliament-s-garden-for-the-people
Photo: Emmency Nuukala