The maintenance policy of the Ministry of Works and Transport needs an overhaul to deal with government infrastructure that is rotting and falling apart.

Minister Veikko Nekundi made the call when he addressed the management team at Swakopmund.

The ministry's management team is in the coast developing a five-year strategic plan.

Veikko Nekundi expressed disappointment in the managers tasked with maintenance of government infrastructure when he opened the workshop.

"Government buildings are rotting, filthy, grass everywhere, stones everywhere, dust everywhere. How many days has it been since I gave you instructions to get casuals? How many days? Somebody told me they can no longer sleep or work in the office; it's so bad, it's in bad shape, the ceilings are falling on their heads. There are issues that need to be addressed as a priority. The government flats, works maintenance, and the strategy must speak."

Nekundi said the policy needs to include a preventative maintenance aspect so that buildings are serviced before they fall apart.

He revealed that numerous complaints about poor workmanship on dilapidated buildings, especially in Windhoek and Otjiwarongo, were received.

"I have pictures with me; ceilings are falling apart, brown everywhere, burned everywhere. The contractor was paid for the rotten material, and you, as maintenance, paid the contractor, and you believe it is correct, and you believe you are delivering public service."

The minister further stressed the need to introduce a fair allocation policy for government accommodation to employees.

"I have an allowance of N$10,000; a cleaner has an allowance of N$700. I am in a flat paying N$400, a cleaner must live somewhere else paying N$14,000 or N$10,000 or in a shack. Is it fair to us? Colleagues, let's be honest, it's not fair. So therefore, that policy must be overhauled to put the lowest earners first, not us. A constable is out, and a chief inspector or commissioner is in a flat. Is it fair?

Nekundi urged the management team to address the concerns he raised as of Monday, two days after the strategic workshop concludes.