Rundu youth centre plagued by power cuts

KENYA KAMBOWERUNDUThe ministry of youth’s multipurpose resource centre in Rundu was without electricity for months because of an unpaid bill of N$13 000.This was confirmed by the youth ministry’s spokesperson, Aina Shikesho, who said the bill has since been settled.Several youth leaders alleged that the centre has been without electricity since October last year, something the ministry denies.The ministry said the electricity was disconnected in October last year and again in July this year.“Nored disconnected the electricity at the centre in the middle of October 2020 and again between July 2021 to 11 November 2021. However, Nored restored the centre's electricity after the ministry settled the outstanding amount of N$ 13 363.59,” Shikesho explained.Centre standing idleYouth leaders described the situation as a tragedy for the young people of the region.They said the centre plays a big role in youth development but cannot operate effectively because of the power cuts.“How can a person operate in an office without electricity for months? The employees are being paid for work they did not do but for simply being on the payroll,” one youth leader said.According to Shikesho, the programmes and activities offered at the centre include sexual reproductive health and rights, counselling, horticulture, mobilising rural youth enterprises, formation and maintenance of youth clubs.The administrative officers' functions are record-keeping, receipt of revenue, transport administration, bookings and serving as receptionists.The cleaners and drivers also carry out their functions as usual, Shikesho said.“Staff members at Rundu MPYRC have been and are still receiving their full salary despite the centre having been with no electricity for a few months,” Shikesho said.“The staff at the centre consists of the youth officers whose primary functions are to coordinate and provide support services to the youth in the region, which includes mobilising young people to participate in youth development programmes.”kenya@namibiansun.com

Rundu youth centre plagued by power cuts

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Namibian Sun 2022-09-30

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Rundu youth centre plagued by power cuts

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Namibian Sun 2022-09-30

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