Mathew T Haikali
Am very excited to see that our leaders are taking a keen interest in the need to develop sports facilities and amenities around the country. As our country progresses, it is crucial that town planners take on the task of ensuring that the living environment of citizens includes more than just housing and basic services.
Am just saying, the creation of recreational spaces must be prioritized and designed with accessibility, safety, and functionality in mind.
All I am asking is that these spaces should not be tucked away in isolated corners where they could become dangerous, but rather created in centralized locations that are easily accessible to residents.
These open spaces must be large enough to accommodate the needs of the community and should be available for use at any time of the day or night. Such facilities should foster community interaction and provide opportunities for families to bond, children to play, and individuals to engage with nature.
Am just saying, the development of these facilities cannot happen in isolation from the need for skilled individuals to maintain them. It is essential to ensure that these recreational spaces remain green and functional. This includes having properly maintained amenities such as bathrooms that cater to men, women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. A well-designed park with poor maintenance quickly loses its value.
I have been to places such as Rundu and Katima Mulilo, where rivers flow throughout the year, it is unfortunate that we seldom find well-maintained lawns and public spaces. This is largely due to a lack of skills among local communities to develop and maintain these facilities to an acceptable standard. The role of VTC in addressing this gap requires a proactive approach in equipping our citizens with the necessary competencies to manage and maintain recreational spaces.
Am just saying, as we embark on the journey to set up more sporting and recreational facilities, it is vital to recognize that we currently lack a sufficient workforce with the expertise to maintain these spaces. Therefore, there is a pressing need to integrate our sport management programs and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) curricula to build these essential competencies. We must focus on producing skilled individuals who can take up contracts to maintain these facilities, thus promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship in this sector, especially amongst the youth.
Am of the opinion that the outdated perception that individuals who work with their hands are performing menial tasks must be dispelled. TVET-trained graduates possess valuable skills in areas such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and landscaping. These skills are essential in maintaining quality sports and recreational facilities.
Encouraging the formation of cooperatives among artisans can be a viable strategy to ensure the sustainability of facility maintenance across the country. By pooling resources and expertise, these cooperatives can take on contracts for maintaining parks, sports fields, and other public spaces. This model not only ensures better maintenance but also promotes local economic development by creating jobs and fostering a sense of ownership within communities.
Am just saying, the development of sports and recreational facilities in Namibia must go hand-in-hand with the empowerment of skilled professionals to maintain them. By investing in training programs and promoting the value of vocational skills, we can create a sustainable model for the upkeep of these spaces. This approach will not only enhance the quality of life for our citizens but also contribute to the broader goals of economic growth and community development.
All I am saying is that, it is about time that we recognize and acknowledge the contribution that the sports sector can add to the economy and enhance and improve the lives of our citizens. All this should go hand in hand with proper compensation for athletes and those responsible for maintaining the facilities that create the environment for them to excel.
Mathew T Haikali I Managing Member I Just Imagine SPORTS I Box 20739, Windhoek
M: +264 85 522 0647 I E: rootzkrew@gmail.com I E2: matts@iway.na
