Children’s play park opens in Otjinene

Zebaldt Ngaruka

In a bid to improve local infrastructure and community well-being, the Otjinene Village Council officially opened a kddies park on Thursday in Otjinene, Omaheke region.

The facility, which features state-of-the-art playground equipment and secure fencing, was commissioned as part of the council’s ongoing settlement development programme.

Local officials joined community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the delivery of the essential recreational space.

Speaking at the event, Tjatomuini Katjatenja, chairperson of the Otjinene village council, said the children in the settlement had no dedicated, and safe space to play for a long time.

“This Kiddies Park is a testament that the Council cares about the safety, happiness and development of our youngest residents. It is more than just swings and slides,” he said.

Katjatenja said a child who plays in a safe environment is a child who grows into a responsible citizen.

“We, as a council have provided these kids with a safe, clean and child friendly space where they can play, learn to share, and grow together,” he added.

The chairperson said that the park which was constructed with recycled tyres is a reflection of turning waste into wealth.

“By reusing tyres that would otherwise pollute our environment, we are not only creating joy for our children, but we are also keeping Otjinene clean and promoting environmental sustainability,” Katjatenja emphasised.

Furthermore, the chairperson complimented the entire Council for implementing the project amid limited resources.

He also extended his thanks to the Otjinene Village Council Chief Executive Officer, Inge Kaveterua for her leadership and execution, and the Council’s technical team, Okohorora Hygiene Group, parents and community members for their support during the construction of the project.

Katjatenja also appealed to the children to take care of the park, as their own.

“This park is yours. Play, enjoy, and take good care of it. The parents must supervise and make sure this place is clean. Let us protect this infrastructure,” he urged.

Also speaking at the occasion, Kaveterua, the CEO of Otjinene said the kiddies park project is a clear demonstration of achievement from leadership when implementing the work together.

“The council gave us a directive to create a safe space for our children with what we have. Today, we have delivered that directive as mandated,” she said.

She lamented that the park was constructed internally, at minimal cost of between N$10 000 to N$15 000, using the Council’s own resources.

“We embraced innovation and environmental responsibility. The tyres that were littering our town and becoming an environmental hazard have now been turned into colourful swings, castles and playing equipment. In doing so, we are keeping Otjinene clean,” she explained.

Kaveterua, as an accounting officer, assured the council and the community that management will ensure that this Kiddies park is properly maintained, secured and will operate according to the approved operating hours.

“Our operations days and hours are Wednesdays from 14h00 to 16h00 and Saturdays from 11h00 to 16h00. We have also appointed a caretaker and put rules in place to ensure the safety of our children,” she stated.

Karirao Kasukona Tjombe, Otjinene resident, thanked the council for the initiative, saying that the park will remove kids from the street.

“This is an applaudable gesture, our kids will learn how to play with others in a safe place. They will have toys or playground equipment to play with rather than hanging in the streets or playing on the roads,” Tjombe said, adding that the boredom at home will be now something of the past.

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