Residents of Havana are upset about the decision to move Namibia’s Independence Day celebrations and the presidential inauguration to State House, where public attendance will be limited due to expected rains and an influx of international guests. Community members expressed disappointment over their inability to witness the inauguration in person, leading to a confrontation at the event location.
Residents of Havana, an informal settlement, are expressing discontent regarding the government’s decision to relocate the Independence Day celebrations and the inauguration of Namibia’s fifth president to State House, where attendance will be severely restricted. This announcement, made by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, cites expected heavy rains in central Namibia as the reason for the location change.
The ministry stated, “Due to limited space and the high number of international guests, the public will not be able to attend the 35th Independence celebrations and the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s fifth president as expected.” This decision has left local community members feeling sidelined.
Karin Matheus, a resident aged 45, voiced her disappointment: “We wanted to see our president inaugurated.” Fellow community member Elise Paulus, 34, echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration with, “We are unhappy. We voted for her, we wanted to see her inaugurated.” Compounding their discontent, a scuffle ensued at State House when individuals were turned away due to space constraints.
The government’s decision to host Independence Day celebrations and the presidential inauguration at State House has met with significant unrest among community members in Havana. Many voiced their disappointment and frustration over being unable to attend the ceremony in person, emphasizing their desire to witness the inauguration of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whom they supported in the elections. Limited entry due to space restrictions further exacerbated tensions, leading to disturbances at the venue.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
