Ongwediva
The Ministry of Veterans Affairs is in the process of constructing a N$66 million recreational park for its veterans at Epalela in the Omusati Region that will include a physiotherapy unit.
“The centre is being constructed with the aim of affording all registered veterans of the national liberation struggle the ambience for leisure, palliative care, as well as other psychosocial [needs], such as physiotherapy,” explained senior public relations officer at the Veteran Affairs Ministry, Edson Haufiku.
According to Haufiku, the recreational park will be constructed in phases in accordance with the budget availed to the ministry annually. For the 2016/17 financial year the ministry availed N$4.8 million.
The fencing of the centre was already completed during the 2014/15 cycle, along with a guardhouse and two chalets, which were completed during the 2015/16 financial year. The main building is still under construction, pending the appointment of a new consultant.
Haufiku said the ministry plans to construct similar facilities in other regions, but finances remain a challenge. Haufiku further added that the facility would be accessible to war veterans, their dependents and the general public.
He said those who wish to utilise the facility would be charged a minimal fee, which will be used to maintain the facility. “The facility will be open to each and every Namibian who so wishes to use it. However, all charges will be determined upon the completion of the facility,” Haufiku pointed out.
He said under its housing programme the ministry will continue to construct houses for veterans of the national liberation struggle who are living in deplorable conditions.
He added that the ministry would continue to pursue excellence in coordinating government efforts on all aspects related to addressing the plight of veterans to ensure that the needs and aspirations of the veterans are met.