OMAALALA – Gender and social welfare minister Doreen Sioka has urged contractors benefiting from government and private sector tenders to ensure they build quality infrastructure. 

Sioka who was not entirely satisfied with some of the work at the just inaugurated Namangundu Early Childhood Development Centre at Omaalala said Namibian constructors should focus on quality instead of quantity.
“We trust Namibians to take over, but my appeal is they should build quality infrastructure; builders should also learn to advise if they notice that something in the plan is not fine because they are building for their own people,” said Sioka.
The minister in an interview said the contractor has assured that the flaws at the structure will be rectified.

The centre in question was constructed at a tune of over N$2 million, which was funded by the European Commission.
Some of the flaws identified include usage of poor material, connected building materials as well as specifications that are not child-friendly such as high-levelled taps.

In addition, there is also a concern of the centre being vandalised as it is not fenced off, while there is a burrow pit behind the building.
The minister’s concerns were also raised by community members who are of the view that the centre is not children friendly.
Community member Frans Shapumba said although the intention of the centre are good, there are serious hazardous elements that need to be addressed.

One such is to have the open space at the school interlocked.
Shapumba said at the moment, the gravel sand in place gets muddy when it rains hence this should be addressed.
“If it rains, this place will be muddy and the children will not be able to walk, they will keep falling,” said Shapumba.
Shapumba also raised concern of the high levelled taps, citing that they are too high for the children.
- nashipala@nepc.com.na