Despite funding increase, councillors ‘peed off’

KARAS regional councillors have mixed views about development projects funded by Government, despite the allocation increasing to N$298 million this year.

These views were expressed in the wake of a Regional Development Co-ordinating Committee (RDCC) meeting held at Keetmanshoop on Tuesday. Capital project funding to the southern region has been increased by more than N$100 million, from N$188 million the previous financial year, but some councillors said funding proposals for worthy and much-needed projects were not approved. Capital projects approved for the current financial year include the construction of the long-awaited Neckertal dam and the upgrading and rehabilitation of the Aus-Lüderitz railway line.While expressing support for central Government’s efforts at improving socio-economic conditions in the region, some RDCC members were disappointed with the list of approved capital funding projects. David Shoombe, Lüderitz Constituency Councillor, was especially disappointed over rural sewerage system upgrading projects that remain unfunded. ‘Compared to other regions, the Karas Region is overlooked when it comes to capital projects funding,’ Shoombe said.’We need to seek an audience with those dealing with capital projects funding who pissed off our minds over proposed projects that had been overlooked,’ he said. ‘When are we going to bring people into civilisation if much-needed projects are overlooked when it comes to funding?’ The Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency Councillor, Hilma Nikanor, echoed the sentiment.’How do we say the budget is pro-poor if Government does not cater for the grassroots-level people in capital projects?’ she asked. At the meeting it was resolved that capital projects for which no budgetary provision was made would be added to a list of projects Cabinet proposed to uplift the people of the South. Cabinet late last year directed various Government ministries to come up with development strategies it had proposed for the region.It was reported at the meeting that most of the projects that received funding in 2008-2009 were nearing completion. luqman@namibian.com.na