We should focus on solutions

Fillemon Cennese writes: The news that government wants to construct a new parliament building has evoked much discussion and debate. And the nation has to be educated about this issue. In the first place I would like to go through the short summarised history of the current building, the Tintenpalast. This name was given to it by its former owners. It was built during the period 1912 to 1913, when Namibia was known as Deutsch Suid-Wes Afrika, and was under the direct control of Germany. The current parliament was built as a government building to cater for all State activities, which back then were being conducted at different offices in Windhoek. After its completion it was inaugurated on April 12, 1913. However it only came into use by November that same year, due to certain internal matters. It was sworn or declared to be the parliament at Namibia’s independence. It was also used during the drafting of the Namibia Constitution. Thus, the building is 100 years old and soon will turn 101 in few weeks time. Furthermore, I want to inform or otherwise make it clear that that the current building has been draining taxpayer money, due to the fact that millions of dollars in renovations have taken place, as it is not in a good condition. Thus far that building has been renovated twice. Now, how many times do people want hear that this building has been renovated? In addition, how much more do you think will be spent? In my opinion I think a billion dollars will be needed, which is more than the N$640 million that has been budgeted for the new building. The new facility will be neat and well-furnished building. It will also to accommodate the public in larger numbers and not but not only certain individuals, because everyone out there always wants to attend parliamentary sessions but the space at this stage is limited. In addition, as far as I am concerned the building of the new parliament is needed. In the first place, it will replace the old building, which was built by intruders. It seems like we preserving history for them, in their honour. Even though the horse has been removed, there are still other permanent monuments and architectural designs that are preserving their history in this beautiful Land of the Brave, unless someone comes and demolishes them, but this seems impossible. Namibians, especially the youth, should be realistic and have a vision for the future of the country. They are the leaders of tomorrow, but the fact that the majority are opposing the new building, is not correct. People are saying that parliamentarians are fat cats who to sleep in a well-furnished luxury building, they usually do. They are lying to themselves. All these people in Cabinet, as well as government office bearers are serving their terms, which will end long before Vision 2030 is realised. Now who is going to take over their duties? The best answer is the youth. In fact, they are going to blame these people who are now in office if tasks cannot be carried out well in the future in the old parliament building. They will forget that they were the main culprits stopping their current incumbents of performing their duties, as required during this time. My point here is not to blame those who are opposing the construction of a N$640 million building, but to try and make them reflection on what lies beyond. We as a democratic nation should have that background of where we had been, where we are and where we are heading. We must have a vision as a nation and aim to achieve what is good. We must raise the bar in terms of the development of our country. If we are a nation that argues against whatever is being raised, then we are not going to succeed and we will always be victimising people who want to confront the challenges facing the nation. Let our political allegiances and affiliations not play a major role in situations where we need to do what is expected, including eradicating poverty and unemployment. Let us rather focus on solutions.