2008-03-27Staff Report 2 "By Anna Shilongo WINDHOEK In an effort to expand and ensure access to quality service delivery to the mass market, the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) recently opened its eighth branch at Otjiwarongo. The town's mayor Otto Ipinge officially opened the branch, which is situated in the town's central business district (CBD) area. The office is expected to service Grootfontein, Otavi, Outjo, Khorixas and Okakarara. The fact that the location of Otjiwarongo is a connecting point to most of the towns in the country makes it strategic for accessibility of services for neighbouring towns. ""The opening of GIPF branch we are witnessing here today has come at the right time. As a council, we have set ourselves goals in our five-year strategic plan. One of the core focus areas is to promote regional office establishments especially for government departments and parastatals,"" Ipinge said. He said the local authority plans to build Otjiwarongo into a vibrant industrial centre, while capitalising on the town's strategic location. ""However, this commitment cannot be achieved by council alone, but requires the active support and participation of our various stakeholders, '' stressed Ipinge. He welcomed the institution's branch in Otjiwarongo, adding that it would bring the much-needed service closer to the people. "" People no longer have to travel to Windhoek for their enquires, this is a true spirit of the decentralisation process which as a nation, we have embarked on to enhance services to the people,"" said the mayor. The mayor said he would be much happier if the institution also added value to their existing infrastructure. ""What I mean is that we want to see new buildings coming up, we want to see local people employed by these new institutions,"" he stressed. Ipinge called on other prospective stakeholders to approach his office for suggestion on how to improve their towns. Also speaking at the occasion, GIPF Chief Executive Officer Primus Hango said GIPF hopes to uplift the face of Otjiwarongo as well as making a contribution to economic development by providing business accommodation to potential investors. ""We have confidence in the future prospects of this town and we are committed to bring our part within the framework of our strategic direction, "" said Hango. " 2008-03-27Staff Report 2
