Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged members of parliament to familiarise themselves with the National Development Plans.
Dr. Ngurare said the laws passed and policies adopted in the house must be informed by the key seven priority areas, including economic growth, environmental sustainability and effective governance.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that, in matters of national interest and security, parliamentarians should set aside political differences and collaborate as a unified team to serve the public.
"In November 2024, we were elected to serve the more than 3.1 million Namibians out there to grow and promote our economy so that they can realise and enjoy their potential to the fullest. We might sit in the August house through different political parties, but Namibia is our shared destiny."
The premier advised members to have copies of the five-year strategic plans of all state-owned enterprises, regional councils, and local authorities to acquaint themselves with what is being implemented.
He further stated that parliamentarians' collective responsibility is to grow the economy and create jobs as well as promote equity and prosperity for all Namibians irrespective of their political affiliation.
Some members of parliament contended that there are no clear, annual plans outlining how the objectives of NDP6 will be achieved.
Leader of the Affirmative Repositioning, Job Amupanda, stated, "We don’t see any follow-through. All we see is the minister launching initiatives, attending events, and so on. What has been done here should also be done by other ministers so that we can track progress."
Independent Patriots for Change and Member of Parliament Immanuel Nashinge said, "From the administration side, we truly lack action. There is no aggression, and there is also no proper direction."
Landless People's Movement Leader Bernadus Swartbooi also highlighted that "There is an increasing recentralisation of power and of authority, and we thought the idea was to move away from centralisation and to decentralise so that things can happen on the ground."
NUDO’s Vetaruhe Kandorozu added, "Ensure that the benefits reach all people fairly, and only then will we applaud your efforts."
Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Emma Theofelus said, "Honourable Prime Minister, wouldn't you agree with me that the work you wish, outlined in the ministerial statement that you just gave out, is dependent on the passing of laws in this very parliament first of all, before it's cascaded down into policy implemented by OMAs?"