Nujoma statue for Okahao

The Okahao town council has unveiled a high-level advisory committee that will assist it with development and the erection of a statue of Founding President Sam Nujoma at his hometown.

The 13-member committee will be chaired by former ambassador Hopelong Ipinge. He will be deputised by Nangula Iithete, who is also a former diplomat.

Okahao tourism officer Victoria Haihambo said the aim of the committee is to advise council on developing the town and facilitate the establishment of a traditional or cultural museum at the Ehao Cultural Expo Centre, as well as the erection of a statue of Nujoma, who was born at the town.

“The traditional and cultural museum and the founding president's statue at the town will complement tourist activities… and will lure more tourists to visit Okahao. This will lead to job-creation in the tourism sector and a reduction in poverty.”

Other members of the committee are Niilo Taapopi, Dr Ndeutala Angolo, Johannes Uushini, Josef Iita, Elvis Nashilongo, Haipinge Hilda Namwenyo, retired brigadier David Shiimbi, Johannes Kandombo and David David Sheehama.

Leonard Shikulo will serve as an ex officio member, while Timoteus Namwandi will be the head of the secretariat.

The council is also considering developing a tourism attraction at the Baobab heritage site, which was declared as such by the National Heritage Council of Namibia in 2008.

The town council has also elected Cornelia Iiyambula as mayor, who takes over from Immanuel Egumbo Amutenya.

Amutenya is now the deputy mayor, while Johannes Uushini was elected as the chairperson of the council's management committee.

Julia Mirjam Katoole and Jesaja Hishikushitya Ekondo are also members of the management committee, while Salomon David Uutoni and Hilka Metumo Iigonda are ordinary council members.

ILENI NANDJATO