By Surihe Gaomas
WINDHOEK
The Office of the President will move into the new State House during the first quarter of next year, the President has announced.
The President was speaking at a year-end function for his staff on Friday.
The move addresses the issue of shortage of office space at the present State House.
“The administrative block of the new State House is now complete. Very soon, you will be working under a new and conducive environment at the new State House. The intention is to relocate to the complex during the first quarter of next year,” said the Head of State.
Limited office space at the current State House has resulted in some posts remaining vacant.
Following a visit to the new State House last Tuesday, Pohamba was pleased with the progress made and said his staff can prepare to move into the new building soon.
“I trust that in the New Year, all our staff members will re-dedicate themselves to their duties so that we can continue to serve the people of Namibia without fail. As public servants we are here to serve all our people. That is the nature of our work,” he said.
The Office of the President is also preparing its strategic development plan, to serve as a guide for efficiency and effective service delivery. The Head of State called on all staff to actively participate in implementing the plan and make it a reality.
This year saw the drafting of the Third National Development Plan (NDP 3) – a very important achievement by the Government in policy-making.
Pohamba said since NDP 3 is aimed at accelerating socio-economic development in the country, it should be “implemented fully and timeously”.
The year was also described as one of the busiest for the President, as he had to host several Heads of State and Government who visited the country.
“I undertook State and official visits to a number of countries in Africa and other parts of the world.
These visits resulted in the conclusion of important bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing trade and economic development, while ensuring mutually beneficial relations between Namibia and our development cooperation partners,” the Head of State said.
Crucial follow-ups need to be made by the Office of the President to ensure that the agreements are implemented in order to realise tangible results.
The President also visited the country’s 13 regions to gain an insight into the challenges facing communities. He also consulted with traditional leaders and community members on economically sustainable community projects.
The President said Namibians “must stay away from destructive and dangerous tendencies of alcohol and drug abuse” as well as obey traffic rules and regulations this festive season.
Secretary to Cabinet, Frans Kapofi, and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Albert Kawana, attended the year-end function.