The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has warned local authorities that fail to submit audited financial statements, collect outstanding revenue, and improve service delivery that they should not expect government bailouts or funds.
Members of the National Council (NC) requested that the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) equip Local Authorities (LA) and Regional Councils (RC) with adequate financial resources to enhance development in rural areas.
The ministry has been allocated a budget of N$1.9 billion.
Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa described local authorities as the “biggest headache” facing his ministry, citing widespread financial mismanagement, weak governance, and inequitable land allocation as major obstacles.
Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson Paulus Nekundi called on local authorities to prioritize land allocation for SMEs to boost entrepreneurship and economic growth during the Otjiwanda SME and Youth Expo in Grootfontein.
Local authorities owe Namwater more than N$7.5 billion, with some diverting government funds meant for prepaid water meters to other uses, Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa revealed in the National Assembly.
Disgruntled workers of Maltahohe Village Council are up in arms over late salary payments for the past eight months.
The workers maintained late payments that subjected them and their families to economic hardship.
The president of the Namibian Association of Local Authority Officials (NALAO), Moses Matyayi, says local authorities cannot thrive in uncertainty and political pressure.
Matyayi, who was speaking at the association's annual general meeting, stressed the need for accountability and transparency.
The Minister of Urban and Rural Development (MURD), James Sankwasa, says the swearing-in of three local authorities councillors of A Right to Shelter Foundation of Namibia on Monday was unprocedural and against set laws guiding the process.
The government is considering writing off municipal service debts owed by pensioners and persons with disabilities. This is part of efforts to address growing arrears owed to local authorities.
The Minister of Urban and Rural Development has raised concerns about poor financial management and weak governance in some regional councils and local authorities.
