Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Martin Lukato, the leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), said his party is advocating for the construction of a railway line from Grootfontein to Katima Mulilo that would pass through the two Kavango regions.
Lukato said this during an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday while explaining the party’s plans for the November elections.
He said the rail services are affordable to ordinary people, and also that it is a safe mode of transport considering the number of road accidents the country has been experiencing over the years, so travelling by train can help reduce road accidents.
“The NDP is also the second party after Nudo to support the issues of reparations and genocide of the Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama people. We support the genocide remembrance day and recommend that it should be commemorated every year in Namibia. We are advocating and fighting for the connection of the railway line from Grootfontein via the Kavango regions up to Katima Mulilo,” Lukato said.
He is also pushing for Namibia to adopt the formation of a government of national unity, a practice unfolding in South Africa after the ruling African National Congress (ANC), failed to get an outright majority of votes.
“Namibia should have a federal government system that accommodates all ethnic groups equally and gives every citizen equal opportunity, whether in education, employment, or business,” he added.
According to Lukato, the NDP has so far reached all 14 regions and accommodated all ethnic groups in Namibia in its national structures, and the party has been growing from strength to strength over the years.
“The NDP has recruited and received more members over the years from other political parties, including from the ruling party, Swapo. The party does not have resources, as it does not benefit from the cake and resources of Namibia. We make use of ground campaigns in order to reach the electorate. But despite the lack of resources, we will reach out there with guidance and protection, which are mandatory from the redeemer,” Lukato said.
He is optimistic that the majority of Namibians will entrust their votes to him and the NDP in November.
Since the formation of the NDP in 1993, the party has been vocal in fighting for better living standards for Namibians.
Lukato did not participate in the presidential race in 2019 because the party failed to raise the N$20 000 registration fee for presidential candidates.
The party did, however, achieve a total of 4 559 votes in the national assembly elections.
The NDP also won a seat on the Katima Mulilo town council.
