VICE president Nangolo Mbumba has urged civil servants to treat members of the public fairly, regardless of their tribe or economic status.
He made these remarks when he officially opened the new Zambezi regional office park at Katima Mulilo yesterday.
“As you are aware, the focus of the Namibian government is to provide efficient and effective services to the people of Namibia to ensure that all Namibians are uplifted economically, culturally, socially, educationally and morally at all levels.
“Therefore, the importance of this majestic building which we are inaugurating today is not to be found in its display of artistic and engineering excellence, as much as we appreciate such achievements. Rather, the essence of this building ought to be seen in the positive change regarding the speed and efficacy with which government services will be rendered to the communities of the Zambezi region by the various government ministries and institutions housed under the Zambezi Regional Council,’;’; he noted.
Mbumba said the people of the Zambezi region will be appreciative if officials are courteous and accessible at all times, are at their duty stations during working hours, and treat all people equally without any discrimination based on tribe or economic status.
“The people in the Zambezi region, as citizens of Namibia, should just like all other Namibian citizens not feel left out, but should actively participate at village, settlement and constituency level, and in various development committees on all issues affecting their lives.
“Furthermore, the allocation of resources such as water, land, schools, hospitals, roads, agricultural extension services and others such as poverty eradication programmes, should be spread equally where they are needed and as per available resources among all the citizens in our regions, including all the constituencies of the Zambezi region,’;’; he stressed.
According to Mbumba, the Zambezi regional head office was built at a cost of N$135 million, excluding professional fees, and took over five years to complete.
“The building will serve as the administrative headquarters of the region, and will house all relevant auxiliary departments, which will be offering various government services under one roof. The building also has a gym, restaurant and a water recycling plant for watering plants and grass to reflect the evergreen environment of the Zambezi region.
This building is for the people of the Zambezi region, and of all Namibia. Let us take pride in it, and take good care of it. Thirty years from now, our children should find it in the same immaculate condition it is today,’;’; he added.
The chairperson of the Zambezi Regional Council, Beaven Munali, said at the same event that the completion of the office park is a milestone in the history of the Zambezi Regional Council and the residents of the region at large.
“I am confident that staff members will be motivated to improve service delivery. It is not about occupying a nice office, it is about what you are recruited to do in that office. So remember, this is not your office, it is a public office, and you should never own it and neglect your duties. Old habits should remain at the old offices,’;’; he advised.
Munali further applauded those who worked tirelessly to complete the construction of the new Zambezi regional head office complex.
