By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEK
The Khomas Windhoek East Constituency has a venue where residents can come together to plan and discus issues of common interest and matters related to the development of their constituency.
Officially inaugurating the office, President Hifikepunye Pohamba said the construction of the Windhoek East Constituency was in line with the government decentralization policy, which was adopted to ensure political, economic, social and administrative empowerment for the people at local level.
The President stressed that the office would facilitate the participation of more Namibians in the planning of developmental activities and nation-building.
“This policy was designed to dissolve specified functions to local levels where beneficiaries can best access public services in the most efficient manner,” he said.
He maintained that the office was established to address the development challenges facing the people of this constituency.” It is a public investment that is meant to give our people access and the possibility to bring their concerns to attention of their elected representatives.”
It will also be used as an avenue through which residents can make suggestions regarding improvements in service delivery, particularly the vulnerable members of the society.
Since 1990, offices for regional and local authorities as well as those for constituencies have been built and opened in different parts of the country.
The Head of State described the opening of the East Constituency as yet another milestone in the drive to bring government closer to the people.
He called on the residents of the East Constituency to guard and protect the building against vandalism. Pohamba encouraged Councillors to ensure that this facility was fully functional at all times in order to serve as a venue for people to access information about the government.
He was happy to learn that the Windhoek Regional Council has undertaken a step to provide all councillors with offices during 2008 to 2009.
Meanwhile, regional councillors were urged to work hard in mobilizing the public to participate and be involved in the planning and implementation of development activities.
“I wish to call upon all the residents of this constituency and Khomas regional as a whole to make their voices heard and to become active participants in the development and nation-building activities.
This office should serve as a platform for nation-building and socio-economic development,” the President stressed.
Although communities faced numerous challenges such as HIV/AIDS, orphans and vulnerable children, crime as well as other such issues, Pohamba encouraged them to work together as a team to eliminate some of these problems.
“These issues should be regarded as the first priority of this constituency,” he said.
Windhoek also faced challenges such as the provision of services and public amenities like electricity, water, sanitation and housing, he noted.
“Today there are a number of informal settlements where access to water, electricity, proper ablution facilities and other basic social amenities are insufficient, and these challenges demand innovative solutions and dedication on the part of all residents,” said Pohamba.
He said greater cooperation between the local authorities, the regional authorities and the Central Government was required to maintain the reputation of Windhoek as the cleanest city in Africa. In so doing, he believes it is essential to work hard to ensure that all parts of the city, including the informal settlements, achieve higher standards of hygiene and safety.
The President said development plans should encompass the totality of the city and its environs, as well as all residents.
Windhoek East Constituency is under the leadership of Councillor Sibiya Mwashekele.