Staff Reporter
The Vice President, Lucia Witbooi, recently visited the Nakayale Rehabilitation Centre to assess the Omusati 1995 Project, formerly known as the Omusati Tailoring and Carpentry Project, and to identify the challenges facing the centre.
“Earlier this year, the team from my office, through the division Disability Affairs, came to assess the situation of this project, they came to acquaint themselves with the reality of the project on site. The team reported on the the
operations, the successes and potential this project can offer. Also, they reported on the operational challenges the project continues to face on a daily basis,” the Vice President said.
She revealed that the centre, which has the potential to generate income for persons living with disabilities, faces a number of significant challenges. She highlighted the shortage of production infrastructure as one of the key challenges, as the centre lacks industrial equipment, machinery and essential raw materials required to sustain production across all three core technical departments: welding, carpentry and tailoring.
Photos: Namibian Presidency.
The Vice President further highlighted ageing and malfunctioning infrastructure, alongside operational constraints and utility costs, as additional challenges.
Witbooi assured that these issues would be addressed, emphasising the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of persons living with disabilities. She explained that her office, in particular, has been mandated by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to oversee and support persons living with disabilities in the country
“Therefore, to the Omusati 1995 Project, I have directed the Division Disability Affairs to ensure that by the third quarter of 2026 (October, November, December), to ensure that we provide industrial machine and tailoring
equipment to this project. We will also engage the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), for possible assistance to cover the utility expenses,” Witbooi said.
She explained that the centre was officially established as a rehabilitation centre in 1995 to empower veterans of the liberation struggle and persons living with disabilities. She added that the centre currently provides structured vocational training programmes focusing on tailoring and carpentry. She noted that the project produces items such as traditional attire, metal gates, school uniforms, tables and chairs.
“Through these specialized skills, the project enables beneficiaries to achieve self-reliance, generate stable household income, and sustainably support their families. This Project has evolved over the years. I am informed that in 2023, the project which was then known as Omusati Tailoring and Carpentry, was renamed to Omusati 1995 Project. Interestingly, since its inception, this project remain focused on tailoring and carpentry. I am informed that at the moment, it has on site, ten dedicated and inspiring persons living with disability,” the Vice President continued.
While affirming government’s continued commitment to empowering persons living with disabilities, she also called on the private sector, faith-based organisations and civil society to work alongside government to improve their livelihoods.
“I am here to offer support and encouragement.
My desire is to see the Omusati 1995 Project turn into a success story, a project capable of accommodating and benefit many persons living with disabilities in this part of the country,” the Vice President added.
