Millions for Kutako shrine
While the expenditure planned for the construction of the Hosea Kutako Shrine and Memorial Homestead has been welcomed, questions have, however, been raised about the timing of the project’s financing.
Government budgeted N$18 million for its construction for the 2022/23 fiscal year while a further N$7 million and N$8 million have been earmarked for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 fiscal years respectively.
National Unity Democratic Organisation secretary-general Josef Kauandenge welcomed the expenditure, but felt it ought to have been put on the backburner in light of Namibia’s economic situation.
“One would have anticipated due to the economic downturn, such allocation should have been paused for now. I’m also seeing N$224 million has been allocated to subsistence and travel allowances, 40% more than last year,” he said, questioning government’s priorities.
He, however, welcomed work being done to honour Kutako, saying he had played a huge role in Namibia’s independence.
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani echoed his sentiments, saying Kutako played a pivotal role in Namibia’s independence.
“Kutako played a cardinal role in the country,” he said, while noting that the timing was not opportune.
“Because of historical correctness, the president [Hage Geingob] has realised he [Kutako] has not been honoured. The N$18 million is necessary for historical relevance,” he said.
Creating jobs
Justifying the project, presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari said the project was creating jobs and value in the Omaheke Region where it is currently under construction.
“The Hosea Kutako Shrine and Memorial Homestead has created 50 jobs for Namibians during the construction phase. Namibians are gainfully employed as we speak. Going forward, the shrine and memorial itself will create opportunities for the Aminius constituency in the tourism and leisure sectors,” he said.
It is a common practice to honour Namibians who played a vital role in Namibia’s independence, he added.
“Namibia is not an island and what we are doing in honouring Chief Kutako, an outstanding Namibian, is normal when you benchmark it against what countries do across the world.”
Kutako has, however, been honoured with, among other things, a major road in Windhoek and a granite gravestone at the Heroes Acre, while Namibia’s main airport is named in his honour.
Government budgeted N$18 million for its construction for the 2022/23 fiscal year while a further N$7 million and N$8 million have been earmarked for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 fiscal years respectively.
National Unity Democratic Organisation secretary-general Josef Kauandenge welcomed the expenditure, but felt it ought to have been put on the backburner in light of Namibia’s economic situation.
“One would have anticipated due to the economic downturn, such allocation should have been paused for now. I’m also seeing N$224 million has been allocated to subsistence and travel allowances, 40% more than last year,” he said, questioning government’s priorities.
He, however, welcomed work being done to honour Kutako, saying he had played a huge role in Namibia’s independence.
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani echoed his sentiments, saying Kutako played a pivotal role in Namibia’s independence.
“Kutako played a cardinal role in the country,” he said, while noting that the timing was not opportune.
“Because of historical correctness, the president [Hage Geingob] has realised he [Kutako] has not been honoured. The N$18 million is necessary for historical relevance,” he said.
Creating jobs
Justifying the project, presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari said the project was creating jobs and value in the Omaheke Region where it is currently under construction.
“The Hosea Kutako Shrine and Memorial Homestead has created 50 jobs for Namibians during the construction phase. Namibians are gainfully employed as we speak. Going forward, the shrine and memorial itself will create opportunities for the Aminius constituency in the tourism and leisure sectors,” he said.
It is a common practice to honour Namibians who played a vital role in Namibia’s independence, he added.
“Namibia is not an island and what we are doing in honouring Chief Kutako, an outstanding Namibian, is normal when you benchmark it against what countries do across the world.”
Kutako has, however, been honoured with, among other things, a major road in Windhoek and a granite gravestone at the Heroes Acre, while Namibia’s main airport is named in his honour.
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