Zebaldt Ngaruka
Ovambanderu traditional authority (OTA) chief Eben Tjozohongo Nguvauva says the commencement of construction works at their Tallismanus community office marks an exciting next chapter to bring services closer to the people.
He said this over the weekend at Otjombinde’s Tallismanus settlement while officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the office.
“As a recognised traditional authority, we provide services and disseminate information on behalf of the government. Our community resides in various parts of the country and needs services,” Nguvauva said.
Nguvauva emphasised the Ovambanderu offices are not only distributing services to the Ovambanderu people, but to the entire nation, irrespective of their tribes.
The office will provide for the issuing of traditional marriage certificates, land ownership certificates and applications of land rights, stock brands authorisation letters, and meat or carcasses' permits.
At the event, the chief also issued certificates of land rights to the San and Ovazemba communities who applied through OTA’s temporary office.
“This symbolises our commitment to serve all Namibians from all walks of life,” stated Nguvauva.
OTA senior councillor designated for Otjombinde constituency Kauromundu Kandetu expressed his pleasure in the construction of the office.
“This is one of the developments in our community. All tribes are welcome to make use of services from this workplace, as we are operating in line with government policies,” he said.
Kandetu further called on the Ovambanderu and business community to pledge their support for the office construction.
“We will welcome all sorts of assistance – even cement bags, corrugated iron sheets and other building materials,” he added.
Asked by New Era whether the community courts will operate from the new office, Nguvauva said: “Yes, we have situations where our communities are tried at their respective branches, which is also a cost-cutting measure. We have a variety of traditional councillors who deal with cases, but the head of judges based at headquarters travels to branches when cases require his presence,” explained the chief.
Besides the groundbreaking ceremony, about 10 traditional councillors were also installed to take care of the Ovambanderu community in the Otjombinde constituency.
“Our constitution allows the appointed councillors to serve the community for a period of five years,” Nguvauva said.
The building materials of the office branch are made possible by donations from the Ovambanderu community from all walks of life.
Currently, OTA, whose headquarters is based in Epukiro at Omimbonde Vitano, has branches as far as Opuwo, Gam, Aminuis, Otjinene, Otjombinde and Eiseb Block.