Omusati: Vice President Lucia Witbooi has directed the Division for Disability Affairs to provide industrial machinery and tailoring equipment to the Omusati 1995 Project by the third quarter of 2026, as part of government efforts to improve livelihoods for persons living with disabilities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the vice president spoke during a visit to the Nakayale Disability Centre in the Omusati Region, highlighting concerns over operational challenges threatening the sustainability of the project. Witbooi stated that the intervention will involve engaging the Namibia Training Authority for possible assistance to cover the utility expenses of the project.

The Omusati 1995 Project, established in 1995 as a rehabilitation centre for liberation struggle veterans and persons living with disabilities, provides vocational training in tailoring and carpentry with the aim of promoting self-reliance and income generation. An assessment by Witbooi's office earlier this year identified shortages of industrial equipment, aging infrastructure, and utility expenses as major obstacles to the project's operations. Challenges such as a lack of raw materials and machinery needed to sustain production in the tailoring, carpentry, and welding departments were also noted.

Witbooi emphasized the government's commitment to improving the living standards of persons living with disabilities, while stressing the need for collective support to achieve meaningful progress. She called upon the private sector, faith-based organizations, and civil society to join the government in efforts to enhance the livelihoods of persons with disabilities in the country.

The project produces traditional attire, metal gates, school uniforms, tables, and chairs.