The long-anticipated inauguration of the Gibeon Village Council office building took place at Gibeon on Friday.
Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Eveline !Nawases-Taeyele remarked that the occasion proved the government's continued commitment to decentralisation, strong local governance and efficient and accountable service delivery.
The government's investment in constructing the council office building, which was completed in 2017, is estimated at around N$15 million.
!Nawases-Taeyele said the building's inauguration marks a path towards prosperity for the community.
She urged all residents to support the government to realise this shared vision.
“As a Ministry responsible for urban and rural development, we firmly believe that genuine development must be inclusive, balanced, and centred on the needs of people. We, therefore, cannot build where some regions or towns progress while others are left behind. Our development vision must reach every corner of our beloved country, not only cities and towns but also our villages and rural communities" she added.
The Deputy Minister also called upon the residents to protect the building from vandalism while calling on the council to uphold the principles of good governance, accountability and responsiveness to the public.
Hardap Governor Riaan McNab called for unity of purpose in pursuit of prosperity.
“And it is very clear; it's a clear testament that the government of Namibia has succeeded from the national, regional, and local authority levels in bringing this beautiful development to the heart of Gibeon.”
The village council chairperson, Klaas Frederick, highlighted the occasion marks more than the opening of a building, but it marks a new chapter in the history of the village.
“This office stands as testament to our collective efforts, perseverance and vision to improve service delivery and strengthen government at the grassroots level.”
The occasion also coincided with the commissioning of an interlock paved road construction and low-cost houses construction under the Built Together Programme, as well the inauguration of the upgraded soccer stadium