By Mathias Haufiku
WINDHOEK – Yes, says the outgoing President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Pohamba’s time as Head of State comes to an end at a time when Namibia celebrates its 25th independence anniversary under the rule of the Swapo Party. And Pohamba says during the quarter century the ruling party has been in power, it has proven its ability to govern the affairs of the nation.
“As the Swapo Party, we made an undertaking to the Namibian people that the legacy of service delivery will continue. Starting with the first Government of an independent Namibia in 1990, the Swapo Party has proven its ability to govern, to maintain peace and stability and to deliver services. We look forward to continued progress and development in the coming years,” said Pohamba yesterday during the first ordinary Cabinet meeting for 2015 held at State House.
Swapo is adamant that despite constant claims of corruption, income inequality, slow development and poverty, it “has proven its ability to govern the country”.
Critics argue that government’s failing efforts to efficiently address the land cries of the masses as well as its inability to narrow the gap between rich and poor will continue to run simultaneously to its success stories.
Although declared essential services, soldiers, teachers, nurses and police officers continue to linger at the very bottom of the country’s income scale, something that President-elect Dr Hage Geingob will have to pay close attention to in order to maintain peace and stability.
According to Pohamba, who has been at the helm of the country for the past 10 years, the Swapo-led government has made progress in building a more cohesive and stable society by implementing public policies aimed at improving the living conditions of the people, combating poverty, broadening the provision of public services and social amenities, as well as expanding physical and communication infrastructure in order to make the country a winning nation.
Challenges have not gone unnoticed and Pohamba conceded there have been challenges during the 25 years of freedom: “We recognize that there are challenges along the way. We recognise that the task of nation building is an arduous undertaking. It is for this reason that we must always bring our collective wisdom to bear in order to take our nation forward.”
With only five more Cabinet meetings to chair, Pohamba described Namibia as a resilient and resourceful nation of which he is proud.
“I believe that no obstacle is insurmountable if we hold hands and move forward together as a nation. The goals of addressing unemployment and poverty, expanding economic opportunities to all Namibians, and the provision of basic services, such as housing and sanitation, potable water, quality health care and education will be achieved through proper planning and the prudent utilisation of available resources,” Pohamba said.