War veterans want 14 regional heroes acres

WINDHOEK, 29 JUN  – The Namibia National Liberation Veterans Association wants Government and businesses to finance the construction of 14 heroes’ acres, one in each region, where heroes of the liberation struggle can be laid to rest.
The proposal was submitted by NNLVA president and former Special Field Force commander, Ben Shikongo during the group’s courtesy call on President Hage Geingob on Thursday.
“We could have the heroes’ acres in all 14 regions, maybe some of the respected veterans could just be buried there and it could carry more respect,” he said.
When asked by Nampa about the viability, necessity and affordability of the idea considering that a national Heroes’ Acre has already been built, Shikongo maintained their position.
“The country is vast. It will be easier for Namibia to have the 14 heroes’ acres because they would be small, just like the shrine at Eenhana. It can just accommodate the region instead of traveling to Windhoek,” he said, adding that the current way is too costly.
The former PLAN commander was quick to note that they will not solely rely on State funding to erect the said monuments.
“The veterans and the business community can contribute something, not just the government,” he noted.
According to records, it cost Government over N.dollars 60 million to build the Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek.
In addition, Shikongo said there is a need for psychological help for war veterans as they suffer from various mental conditions due to their participation in the war.
“Some of them, you might say maybe this person is mad or what happened because of those hallucinations. They always dream (about) fighting or what have you. Maybe we did not come up with proper counselling,” he explained to Geingob.
On his part, Geingob did not dwell on the proposed sanctuaries, but responded to other proposals brought before him by NNLVA.
They include the removal of the Red Line, inclusion in fishing rights and quotas and the NNLVA’s financial shortcomings.
The NNLVA recently acquired two fully-equipped abattoirs in northern Namibia and are seeking the removal of the Red Line in a bid to have access to the meat market south of the veterinary cordon fence and beyond the borders of Namibia.
On the Red Line, Geingob said his administration was hard at work, trying to find solutions.
“(The) Red Line is dividing our people… and as a ruling party our supporters, the majority of them, from benefiting,” he said.
He suggested that if cattle in the Northern Communal Areas can be quarantined, they can have access to lucrative meat markets.
“If we can quarantine our cattle in that area to start with, to clean them, then we should be able to slaughter them and bring them this side,” he said, before describing the presence of the Red Line as “criminal”.
According to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who also sat in the meeting, the removal of the Red Line is a priority, but all health implications should be taken into consideration to avoid losing existing meat markets.
(NAMPA)