Open Up The New State House To The People!

I AM writing to say ‘take the New State House to the people!’ I’m not writing to complain that it costs N$396 million and is not finished yet (although it need not have cost that much).

The building is there now, whether you or I like it or not. It would be pointless to stop half way.Rather we should consider what kind of place it would be once it is finished.The New State House complex contains huge halls, offices, rooms, acres and acres of space.I would like to see that space used for the people and by the people, for State House to be a space where democracy can be practised.Parts of it could be used to house delegations from across the country, while they discuss their issues with the Head of State.Imagine, the ex-combatants could have stayed there instead of camping in Independence Avenue.They could bring in representatives of management and striking workers to forge industrial peace away from the anger and distrust of the factory floor.Perhaps some of the spare accommodation space could be used to temporarily house survivors of domestic violence and their children, people who have nowhere else to go.Maybe while it’s still being built we could invite shack dwellers that are saving up to build their own houses, to learn about different construction techniques.Namibian artists could use State House’s halls as exhibition space.There could be cultural performances and workshops there.There could be street soccer matches in the grounds.Maybe the homeless soccer world cup could be held there.Perhaps they could hold spoken word poetry performances in one of the reception rooms… hey, it’s just an idea.Of course, an institution with such an inclusive agenda would not need to remove people from the surrounding properties, at a cost of millions.Its management cadre would understand that, when you are one with the people, they would stand with you against any threat that could come your way.I guess you think I’m getting carried away, and you’re probably right.I guess the securocrats might win the day, as usual, and New State House will be a dead place, where you can’t get in unless you’re a corrupt Israeli businessman, or something.Nevertheless, I’m writing this letter to suggest an alternative, because, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.Hugh Ellis WindhoekIt would be pointless to stop half way.Rather we should consider what kind of place it would be once it is finished.The New State House complex contains huge halls, offices, rooms, acres and acres of space.I would like to see that space used for the people and by the people, for State House to be a space where democracy can be practised.Parts of it could be used to house delegations from across the country, while they discuss their issues with the Head of State.Imagine, the ex-combatants could have stayed there instead of camping in Independence Avenue.They could bring in representatives of management and striking workers to forge industrial peace away from the anger and distrust of the factory floor.Perhaps some of the spare accommodation space could be used to temporarily house survivors of domestic violence and their children, people who have nowhere else to go.Maybe while it’s still being built we could invite shack dwellers that are saving up to build their own houses, to learn about different construction techniques.Namibian artists could use State House’s halls as exhibition space.There could be cultural performances and workshops there.There could be street soccer matches in the grounds.Maybe the homeless soccer world cup could be held there.Perhaps they could hold spoken word poetry performances in one of the reception rooms… hey, it’s just an idea.Of course, an institution with such an inclusive agenda would not need to remove people from the surrounding properties, at a cost of millions.Its management cadre would understand that, when you are one with the people, they would stand with you against any threat that could come your way.I guess you think I’m getting carried away, and you’re probably right.I guess the securocrats might win the day, as usual, and New State House will be a dead place, where you can’t get in unless you’re a corrupt Israeli businessman, or something.Nevertheless, I’m writing this letter to suggest an alternative, because, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.Hugh Ellis Windhoek

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