Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has called on regional councils to be inclusive in their decision-making to help address the economic challenges faced by communities across the country.
Sankwasa made the remarks on Friday in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy minister, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, at Gobabis during the Africa Day for Decentralisation and Local Government.
He said the day is a reminder to the African continent to reflect on local governance and how to improve the lives of the people.
“These challenges can only be addressed by ensuring that development planning and decision making are inclusive, in such a way that all voices including those who were historically marginalised, their cries are heard and acted upon.
“This day was not instituted for celebration only. But to also accord the entire continent time and opportunity to reflect, recommit and reset our collective and individual vision for a future built on strong pillars of decentralisation, local governance and inclusive development,” he said.
He warned local government officials against abusing their power and state coffers through corrupt acts. He urged them to instead serve the public with diligence and truthfulness, prioritising public interest above their own.
Sankwasa urged the council to ensure that the government is taken closer to the people given the various challenges faced by communities in Namibia and the African continent such as climate change, economic instability, migration and social-economic inequalities.
Sankwasa said the government has long recognised decentralisation as a cornerstone for its developmental agenda, adding that an effective local governance is a predetermined response to social coherence and social economic transformation.
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