OSHAKATI - Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) and Republican Party (RP) leaders were praised for their attendance of the recent high-profile inaugurations of the Northern Railway II Extension and the opening of the Rundu-Elundu Road.  

President Hifikepunye Pohamba invited all Members of Parliament (MP’s) to witness the inauguration of the Ondangwa-Oshikango railway line and the Rundu-Elundu Road. UDF President Chief Justus //Garoëb and the RP’s Clara //Gowases were the only notable members from the opposition parties who accepted the invitation to attend the events held at Oshikango and Okongo.

The Swapo Party Oshana Regional Coordinator, Erastus Kapolo, who was recently elected to the position, praised the two MP’s for their decision, adding that it ushered in a new era for official opposition parties to participate in national projects.

“I also hope that other opposition parties will emulate the example of their counterparts. They should start to practise what they preach,” Kapolo added. According to Kapolo, the northern railway extension project signals a continuation of the ideals of former president Dr Sam Nujoma by the incumbent and should be respected by everyone in the country.

“Therefore, the President deemed it necessary to invite the nation, including the opposition parties to come and witness this historic event,” he said.

The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Northern Branch Chairperson Tomas Iindji also heaped praise on the two MP’s, adding that he was especially impressed by //Garoëb.

“I can tell you that I’m extremely impressed with this leader. His positive gesture inspires hope and bodes well for nation building.

His example should be commended. After all, this is a national project which needs the support of all Namibians irrespective of their political differences,” he stressed.

A teacher from Khorixas Esme Honnes, referring to //Garoëb, said: “Our king is a law-abiding citizen, representing the UDF members while building good relationships with other leaders.”

Ondangwa-based youth activist, Ester Sacharia, also praised the MP’s for their bold decision to attend the event – though she added that it was a “shame” that other opposition leaders publicly showed their differences to the nation instead of concentrating on nation building.

“How do the parliamentarians and political leaders explain to us why they failed to attend national events after the President invited them publicly?” she asked.  

The inauguration of the Reverend Theophelus Hamutumbangela Railway Station, the Northern Railway II Extension and the opening of the Rundu-Elundu Road was attended by President Pohamba, joined by the Founding President Sam Nujoma and a host of dignitaries and MP’s.