Rehoboth:The Banhoff Multipurpose Community Centre was officially inaugurated in Rehoboth on Monday. The centre aims to enhance access to sanitation, early childhood education, and community services for local residents. The opening ceremony was officiated by Boniface Mutumba, the special adviser to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa.

According to NAMPA, the centre was constructed with the assistance of the German development agency GIZ. It is designed to address the needs of residents in informal settlements by employing an integrated approach to community infrastructure. Mutumba highlighted the facility as a symbol of commitment to human dignity, inclusive urban development, and improved access to essential services. He encouraged the Rehoboth Town Council to document lessons from the project for application in future initiatives in other settlements.

GIZ Country Director Tobias Gerster emphasized that the project was initiated to tackle inadequate sanitation facilities in the community. The multipurpose concept was developed to ensure that sanitation facilities, when linked to other community services and with defined management responsibilities, remain functional. The project also incorporated participatory planning, allowing children to contribute to the playground's design, reflecting their needs and aspirations.

German Ambassador to Namibia Thomas Wimmer stated that Germany had allocated 35 million euros (approximately N$650 million) since 2020 to support inclusive and sustainable urban development in Namibia. He underscored the importance of viewing informal settlements as areas with active economic activities and strong social networks, not just infrastructure challenges. Wimmer noted that the centre addresses multiple needs, including sanitation, early childhood education, and providing safe spaces for children and families.

Hardap Governor Riaan McNab remarked that the facility should act as a hub for community engagement, educational activities, youth development, and skills training. He urged residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to maintain and use the facility responsibly, emphasizing that its long-term success depends heavily on the community.

The event also featured educational donations, with the Goethe-Institut providing 200 books to the community and 38 books to the Early Childhood Development Centre. Additionally, the German Ambassador's Office donated notebooks. A symbolic tree-planting ceremony was conducted as part of the event.