Remarks

Remarks for the Inauguration of the new Borehole
Village of Gove
Thursday, September 18, 2008

Good morning.  It a pleasure to be here in Gove to officially dedicate this fabulous new borehole.
 
We are able to hold this ceremony today due to the hard work and vision of both Namibians and Americans.  These cooperative efforts are central to the Embassy's work here in Namibia.  In this case, the borehole was made possible through the U.S. Department of Defense's Humanitarian Assistance Program.  The program is managed by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, located in Germany, and implemented locally by the U.S. Embassy’s Defense Attaché Office and the Humanitarian Assistance Program Administrator.

This program funds hundreds of worthy projects which improve the lives of people all over Africa.  Through its projects, the Humanitarian Assistance Program helps to avert humanitarian crises, improves health and sanitation, and promotes stability and security. 

We fund projects such as schools, orphanages, HIV/AIDS Clinics, and hospitals.  For Gove, the program sunk a borehole 64 meters deep and constructed a crucial water distribution system, including a 10,000 liter tank, a system of pipes, taps on either side of the main road, and the solar power to operate the system. 

I want to congratulate everyone who participated in the Gove borehole project.  It has been enormously successful and will greatly enhance Gove's quality of life.  Prior to the borehole, the residents were without running water and the only local supply came from a nearby river.  This borehole has provided Gove with an abundance of clean water for drinking and washing and it will dramatically reducing the risk of water borne disease. AFRICOM provided more than N$ 350,000 in support of this much needed borehole project. 

Before I finish my dedication, I would like to recognize some of the key players who made this borehole possible.

First, we need to recognize and thank members of the Gove community who drafted a proposal for a better water system.  We all owe you a round of applause for seeing the need and acting.  Congratulations.

Second, I would like to recognize Ms. Kami Lee, a local Peace Corps Volunteer.  Kami championed the project and made sure that the Embassy took a good look at the proposal.  Anyone who has ever worked with Kami knows that there is no one who works harder on a project or is more diligent in looking for funds, donors and support for her community.  Thank you, Kami.

Third, I want to recognize Defense Attaché Office's Humanitarian Assistance Program manager, Mr. Jerry Beukes.  He has been involved with this project for over a year and much of our success today is due to his hard work.  Thank you, Jerry, for a job well done. 

Now it is with great pride, and with great pleasure, that I formally hand this project over to the Council of Rundu who will manage the system.
 
To people of Gove, on behalf of the people of the United States, we hope that you will enjoy this water, in good health, for many years to come. 

Thank you again for the opportunity to join you today.