The Ministry of Works and Transport says it is pursuing those illegally occupying government flats and refusing to vacate.
“We have escalated this with the Attorney General’s office, so that we have these people evicted, as a ministry even if we write notice they do not move, and we do not have the power to stand and evict right away unless done procedurally,” said Executive Director in the Ministry, Esther Kaapanda.
She said many government flats and properties remain occupied by individuals illegally, of which some have been refusing to vacate.
“It makes it difficult for the ministry to do maintenance and repairs,” she said.
Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa said government is fully aware of its assets as opposed to reports that it cannot account for all its assets.
“We are not sleeping on duty, those who think the government is in the dark, try and steal, you will see when we come for you,” he said.
“Even those who think they are staying in state houses thinking it is now their own, we know and we will be coming for you. Thus, I am not saying you are wrong to hold us accountable that we do not know our assets, it is indeed your duty, and our responsibility to make sure such work is done in accordance,” he said.
Mutorwa also called for a timely expedition of the decentralisation of the government garage service into the regions.
The administration of the 11 government garages has been centralised for decades, a position which has been attributed to delays in its ability to offer its services.
“What is this? Having an administration system that is so centralised, no! We are going to change this and ensure that some of the powers such as services and budgets are accorded to the regions for execution,” he said.
“You may only decide up to what extent the regional government garages can handle, and what can be administered at the head office. I want this decentralisation done before the end of this year, even though I am aware there is significant progress in that regard.”
“We have 11 government garages, they have their management, but you still find a manner of sending a bunch of requisition paper mailed to Windhoek for signing and authorising, which is very cumbersome. These people should now be empowered, how can one wait for a bulb to be approved in Windhoek, let them purchase things at regional level that are available,” Mutorwa added.
