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.
Contributing to the budget allocation for the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), members of the National Council (NC) called on the ministry to expand electrification in rural areas.
The vote has been allocated a budget of about N$826 million.
The budget allocation of N$134 million towards the National Council (NC) has been approved for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Despite the approval, MPs stated that the budget is not adequate considering the oversight and outreach efforts carried out by the institution.
Members of the National Council (NC) have raised concerns regarding challenges affecting different regions, such as access to health facilities, shortage of medical staff and the need for improved services in rural and remote areas.
The MPs were contributing to the Health and Social Services budget.
Members of the National Council (NC) raised concerns about school hostel conditions, unfinished projects, unclear budgets and collapsing government buildings.
The MPs further urged the government to improve accommodation and provide a supportive environment for learners.
Parliamentarians in the National Council applauded the Ministry of Finance for a well-crafted budget amid tough global and domestic conditions, as they contributed to the Ministry of Finance's vote at the committee stage.
National Council members have raised concerns over delayed service delivery in the justice system, urging more magistrates' courts in regions to speed up cases.
Mariental Urban Councillor Iswarin Rooi, the first female representative for her constituency, stressed in her maiden address to the National Council that her presence in national leadership is not merely symbolic for women.
Members of the National Council expressed concern over the shortage of social workers in the country, saying it contributes to growing numbers of mentally and emotionally distressed people in communities.
Members of parliament in the National Council supported the vote for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, commending the government for installing network towers in key village areas.
