The Namibian Institute for Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) has embarked on an initiative to take training courses to the regions in an effort to build a capable and effective public service and cut the distance for those who have to travel to the capital for such.

NIPAM has played a significant role in the public sector by providing training, consultancy and research in government institutions since 2011.

The Manager for Marketing and Business Development at NIPAM, Johanness Hatutale, says due to demand from the public, they have identified the need to take services closer to people and decentralise the institution.

"This initiative doesn't only increase the capacity of development in regions or increase access but also reduces travel costs for this institution; hence, we are trying to bring the training and the services close to their doorstep."

Their mandate includes capacity development of public servants, supporting institutional reform and innovation, and promoting good governance, ethics and accountability.

Hatutale explained that NIPAM decided to come up with a formal outreach programme since they rolled out the initiative about a month ago and have already gone to various regions and have had a positive response from the public.

"People really came out. We had procurement, like on the coast, it was fully packed. And also we had customer services in the Hardap Region, it was held at a Namibian resort. And we also had cleaning in the Otjozondjupa Region in Otjiwarongo and leadership, and at all of them, massive, we really did good numbers."

She says their services can be accessed on their website, social media platforms or directly through their landline.