The Minister of Works and Transport inaugurated the newly appointed members of the Engineering Council of Namibia (ECN) in Windhoek today (Monday).

At the inauguration, Veikko Nekundi said the establishment of the new council presents an invaluable opportunity to set new standards of professional conduct and institutional excellence.

The new council was appointed after the minister dissolved the previous council in June of this year.

He explained that the previous board faced institutional challenges that undermined service quality and operational efficiency, thereby underserving the nation.

The new board, he said, provides an opportunity to restore professional standards and institutional excellence.

Nekundi further urged the new members to demonstrate teamwork and accountability, stressing that the country’s infrastructure agenda depends on it.

The council is expected to elect a president and vice-president, with Nekundi emphasising that only registered professional engineers may hold these positions, in line with the Engineering Profession Act.

Eight members and eight alternates were appointed to serve on the council until 2029.

The new members are Ndakolute Ndilula, Gert Maritz, Willem Louw, Joseph Sosinyi, Inge Duvenhage, Dr Veikko Shalimba, Dirkie Uys, and Rauna Hanghuwo (who is a returning member).

Alternate members are Sirka Pascoal, Jannie Swiegers, Estee Beukes, Oshoveli Hiveluah, Wambomba Singoro, Prof. Dr. Fillemon Nduvu Nangolo, Truddy Theron-Beukes, and Moses Abisai/Lukas Kudumo Siremo.