The Banhoff Multipurpose Community Centre in Rehoboth has officially been opened, with government and development partners describing it as an important step towards improving sanitation, early childhood education and access to essential services in informal settlements.

The centre was constructed with support from the German development agency GIZ, through cooperation between Namibia and Germany.

The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development's Special Adviser, Boniface Mutumba, officially opened the centre on behalf of Minister James Sankwasa.

"Today's occasion represents far more than the opening of the physical building. Instead, it symbolises our collective commitment to upholding human dignity, promoting inclusive urban development, and improving access to essential community services.”

GIZ Namibia Country Director Tobias Gerster said the multipurpose approach allows several community needs to be addressed through one facility.

“For the centre, children actively contributed to designing a playground that reflects their needs and aspirations. At first, kids were hesitant to participate because they didn't think what they had to contribute mattered. As they opened up, it became evident that they indeed want to have a say about the spaces they are meant to use."

German Ambassador to Namibia Thomas Wimmer said Germany has made 35 million Euros available since 2020 to support inclusive and sustainable urban development in Namibia.

Hardap Governor Riaan McNab also spoke at the event.

“I wish to emphasise that its long-term success now rests largely with the Panov community. I therefore call upon the residents, the community leaders, specifically our teacher and all relevant stakeholders to take full ownership of this facility.”

The opening was also marked by educational donations, with the Goethe-Institut donating 200 books to the community and 38 books to the Early Childhood Development Center, while the Ambassador's Office donated notebooks.

A symbolic tree-planting ceremony was also held.