Alan blames financial woes on the major municipalities

THE country’s three biggest municipalities have been singled out as the main contributors to the poor financial situation of the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (Alan).

During the launch of the Namibia National Mayor’s Forum at Walvis Bay on Thursday, the Reverend Paul /Goagoseb, the acting President of Alan, said the financial position of Alan was still weak. “The main reason for this financial weakness has been the fact that the three biggest Alan members, Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, have not fully paid their membership fees as agreed by the Congress of 2001.This behaviour almost killed Alan,” he said.In 2001, the Alan Congress determined that Part 1 municipalities should pay a membership fee of N$350 000 a year.The three municipalities concerned did not support the decision./Goagoseb said Alan had been able to survive because of support from the Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing and other donors.”I must say it is very embarrassing to note that the association is well respected and recognised internationally and not supported at home,” said /Goagoseb, reading from a statement by Alan President, Dr Helen Nkandi-Shiimi.Turning to the launch of the new Mayor’s forum, /Goagoseb pledged Alan’s support for the body and said the association would make its secretariat and office facilities available to the forum.”I would like to discourage the establishment of a new office in order to save costs,” /Goagoseb added.King Mandume Muatunga, Walvis Bay Mayor and newly elected President of the forum, said it was an initiative to unite Mayors and Deputy Mayors nationwide.He said the launch of the forum “symbolises growth, maturity and commitment on our part as Mayors and Deputy Mayors towards the realisation of good governance and economic prosperity for our country”.A decision to establish the forum was taken at the 53rd Congress in July 2003.The founding meeting took place at Walvis Bay in September where the short-term goals were identified.The forum plans to: * fight HIV-AIDS * promote gender equality in Local Government * promote regional Mayor’s bodies * alleviate poverty * promote SMEs * focus on tourism * address decentralisation * address capacity building * focus on housing * promote projects for the youth and senior citizens * promote and encourage environmental health * lobby Government for increased funding to local authorities.”The main reason for this financial weakness has been the fact that the three biggest Alan members, Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, have not fully paid their membership fees as agreed by the Congress of 2001.This behaviour almost killed Alan,” he said.In 2001, the Alan Congress determined that Part 1 municipalities should pay a membership fee of N$350 000 a year.The three municipalities concerned did not support the decision./Goagoseb said Alan had been able to survive because of support from the Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing and other donors.”I must say it is very embarrassing to note that the association is well respected and recognised internationally and not supported at home,” said /Goagoseb, reading from a statement by Alan President, Dr Helen Nkandi-Shiimi.Turning to the launch of the new Mayor’s forum, /Goagoseb pledged Alan’s support for the body and said the association would make its secretariat and office facilities available to the forum.”I would like to discourage the establishment of a new office in order to save costs,” /Goagoseb added.King Mandume Muatunga, Walvis Bay Mayor and newly elected President of the forum, said it was an initiative to unite Mayors and Deputy Mayors nationwide.He said the launch of the forum “symbolises growth, maturity and commitment on our part as Mayors and Deputy Mayors towards the realisation of good governance and economic prosperity for our country”.A decision to establish the forum was taken at the 53rd Congress in July 2003.The founding meeting took place at Walvis Bay in September where the short-term goals were identified.The forum plans to: * fight HIV-AIDS * promote gender equality in Local Government * promote regional Mayor’s bodies * alleviate poverty * promote SMEs * focus on tourism * address decentralisation * address capacity building * focus on housing * promote projects for the youth and senior citizens * promote and encourage environmental health * lobby Government for increased funding to local authorities.