A case of skewed priorities

Namibian war veterans went through extreme psychological and physical trauma during the liberation struggle. They did not only suffer on the battlefield, but soldiers endured various physical injuries and emotional scars that last a lifetime. Many of our people still exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress disorder years after returning from exile. Government through the ministry of war veterans, albeit late, initiated a counselling programme focusing on rehabilitating ex-soldiers, who continue to bear untreated psychological scars. The church has also been roped in to assist in this process. However, this programme is beset by a number of challenges. Despite government availing millions towards counselling services for war veterans, some of them have grown disinterested in the programme and have ditched it halfway. Others have taken issue with being counselled by young professionals, and as a result, also quit. It is therefore disconcerting that government is willing to part with millions of dollars for constructing state-of-the-art recreation and rehabilitation centres, such as the yet to be completed structure at Onesi in the Omusati Region. This facility, which has been under construction for the last three years, is costing taxpayers N$66 million. The centre is aimed at giving registered war veterans access to leisure activities, palliative care, as well as psychological and physiotherapy services. This project has now been abandoned and the authorities have cited financial constraints as the impediment. We have no problem with government looking at the psychological needs of war veterans because such services have long been overdue. However, investing N$66 million in the construction of such a facility does not sit well with us. It is clearly not a priority and authorities should have looked at more effective ways to engage war veterans. Is this project really in the best interest of war veterans? Also, looking at the current state of affairs in the country, where veterans are complaining of neglect and suffering, it makes absolutely no sense for government to spend over N$60 million on one project.