Witbooi calls for prosperity at Walvis Bay to honour reintegration

Vice president Lucia Witbooi has called on stakeholders, particularly the Municipality of Walvis Bay, to allocate resources prudently, prioritise investment in essential sectors, and redirect funds toward the socio-economic development of the town.

She has also urged the business community to join the government in addressing the challenges facing the town and ensure that it remains an economic and logistical hub.Speaking at the 30th adversary of Walvis Bay’s reintegration with Namibia on Friday, she noted that the government made investments at the town since its reintegration that transformed it into a vital port for Namibia and southern Africa.

These investments include the expansion of Walvis Bay’s port enhancing maritime trade capacity and access to international markets, as well as improving road infrastructure and strengthening connectivity between Walvis Bay and its landlocked neighbouring countries.

‘‘This development is testament to our unwavering commitment to our people, particularly Walvis Bay residents, by improving living conditions and ensuring that Walvis Bay becomes a beacon of economic opportunity for all Namibians.

‘‘Much remains to be done. We must acknowledge the numerous challenges facing Walvis Bay including marine and coastal population, urbanisation and housing shortages [and] the devastating fires.

‘‘Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative, multi-spectral approach involving the government, private sector, civil society and every citizen who calls this town home,” Witbooi said.

The vice president noted that the celebrations are a reaffirmation of Namibia’s resilience and collective commitment to national unity and nation building.‘‘It calls upon us to safeguard our past achievements, tackle our present challenges and lay the foundation for a sustainable future for generations to come.

‘‘This milestone in our national democracy marks the culmination of relentless diplomatic efforts and unwavering efforts of our leaders. ‘‘One can say it is one of our biggest achievements in an independent Namibia,” she said.

Former Cabinet member Ben Amathila shared a memory of reintegration day in 1994.

‘‘It was not easy. Many people rejoiced when Walvis Bay was finally released.

‘‘I mingled and touched the then South African state president Frederik Willem de Klerk without the possibility arising that I was a terrorist. People came from many other countries.

‘‘Africa was proud that we did it without firing bullets,” he said.Amathila also recommended the possibility of erecting a statue in honour of former South African president Nelson Mandela, who he said played a big role in the handing over of the town.

The celebrations, under the theme ‘Keeping the Namibian economy alive, yesterday, today and tomorrow’ were postponed last year, due to national mourning following the death of former president Hage Geingob.

An amount of about N$130 000 was raised in pledges and auctions at the event, which will be used as part of celebration activities this year, including erecting monuments to Nathaniel Maxuilili, former president Nangolo Mbumba and Gertrude Kandanga – Hilukilwa.

Others plans include a festival, activities for senior citizens and providing catering for charitable organisations.