Govt to spend N$50m on SADC summit

THE government will spend an estimated N$50 million to host the 38th ordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community, which will take place in Windhoek on 17 and 18 August this year.

Namibia will become SADC chair at the summit.

Briefing President Hage Geingob on the preparations for the summit yesterday, industrialisation minister Tjekero Tweya said these preparations are being carried out in accordance with SADC procedures, and the role a country assuming the chairmanship is expected to play.

“There is a need to come up with a paper that will unpack issues around the theme, and recommend exactly what it is Namibia as a country wants to see achieved with the theme,” said Tweya, referring to the ‘Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development’ theme for the summit. Highlighting some of the activities on which the money will be spent, the minister said more than 200 vehicles will be required, and approximately 200 protocol officers and drivers will be needed, who will need to be trained in VIP driving and to suit the standards of the event. They will also be provided with uniforms.

About 70 rooms have been reserved at the four biggest local hotels, which include 31 luxury rooms and four presidential suites.

At the same occasion, Geingob said the theme should befit its meaning by involving the youth, the private sector and relevant stakeholders.

The summit will be preceded by the third SADC industrialisation week from 30 July to 1 August, as well as meetings of senior officials and the council of ministers, scheduled for 9 to 14 August.

– Nampa

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