Two parties criticise new Nujoma office

GOVERNMENT’S decision to build new offices for former President Sam Nujoma at a cost of N$21, 6 million is a waste of money and shows a total disregard for the plight of Namibia’s poor and vulnerable citizens, political opposition parties say.

It also raises questions about whether Nujoma is poised to re-enter public life, the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) said on Friday. “At a time when Namibians are feeling the pinch of increasing food prices and other essential commodities, such a decision is not only insensitive, ill-advised and totally unwise, but also a slap in the face for the majority of Namibians, who still live below the breadline,” the party said in a statement.It is not necessary to build new offices for Nujoma, it added.”What State or international projects is he involved in? Nujoma has not been requested to mediate in any conflict or bring his influence to bear in any initiative of world importance, unlike statesmen like Nelson Mandela, Ketumile Masire or even Thabo Mbeki,” the party said.”Even then, no extravagant offices were built for these erstwhile heads of state.””We also want to know why the former office of the Ombudsman, currently occupied by Nujoma, is inadequate? Why does he need larger space?” Government owns several premises in prime locations dotted around Windhoek, one of which could be renovated and used by the former President, the opposition party proposed.”This exercise is a sheer waste of public money and a folly, since Nujoma has retired from public life.Is this decision to build this exorbitantly priced office a ploy to bring him back to public life?” the RDP asked.Government has got its priorities all wrong, the party said.”Our hospitals continue to deteriorate; access to clean water is still not available for all, schools – especially in the rural areas – lack facilities, teachers and books.We call on Government to rescind this decision immediately,” the party demanded.Similarly, the Namibia Democratic Movement for Change (NDMC) said it wondered how far the Swapo leadership intends to sink in order to “buy political survival” amidst pressing social problems like unemployment and poverty.According to party spokesperson, Joseph Kauandenge, the Cabinet decision to spend N$21,6 million on one person is “reckless, a sign of self-importance and an obsession with luxury” at the expense of the poor.”We appeal to Cabinet to revisit this decision as the project is not a priority,” Kauandenge stated.”Former President Nujoma should equally refuse such an offer because the current political empires the Swapo leadership is building on Mother Earth will not buy them any ticket to Heaven.””At a time when Namibians are feeling the pinch of increasing food prices and other essential commodities, such a decision is not only insensitive, ill-advised and totally unwise, but also a slap in the face for the majority of Namibians, who still live below the breadline,” the party said in a statement.It is not necessary to build new offices for Nujoma, it added.”What State or international projects is he involved in? Nujoma has not been requested to mediate in any conflict or bring his influence to bear in any initiative of world importance, unlike statesmen like Nelson Mandela, Ketumile Masire or even Thabo Mbeki,” the party said.”Even then, no extravagant offices were built for these erstwhile heads of state.””We also want to know why the former office of the Ombudsman, currently occupied by Nujoma, is inadequate? Why does he need larger space?” Government owns several premises in prime locations dotted around Windhoek, one of which could be renovated and used by the former President, the opposition party proposed.”This exercise is a sheer waste of public money and a folly, since Nujoma has retired from public life.Is this decision to build this exorbitantly priced office a ploy to bring him back to public life?” the RDP asked.Government has got its priorities all wrong, the party said.”Our hospitals continue to deteriorate; access to clean water is still not available for all, schools – especially in the rural areas – lack facilities, teachers and books.We call on Government to rescind this decision immediately,” the party demanded.Similarly, the Namibia Democratic Movement for Change (NDMC) said it wondered how far the Swapo leadership intends to sink in order to “buy political survival” amidst pressing social problems like unemployment and poverty.According to party spokesperson, Joseph Kauandenge, the Cabinet decision to spend N$21,6 million on one person is “reckless, a sign of self-importance and an obsession with luxury” at the expense of the poor.”We appeal to Cabinet to revisit this decision as the project is not a priority,” Kauandenge stated.”Former President Nujoma should equally refuse such an offer because the current political empires the Swapo leadership is building on Mother Earth will not buy them any ticket to Heaven.”