The Namibian government has directed lawmakers to urgently amend legislation that hampers service delivery and delays national projects, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah calling for the swift removal of legal “grey areas” obstructing implementation.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the President to Parliament, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the country must act quickly to address laws that hinder the execution of government programmes, particularly those outlined in the SWAPO Party Manifesto Implementation Plan.
“We must move fast and amend laws that hinder progress and implementation of identified projects. Ugly grey areas in our laws must be removed to ensure effective service delivery,” Ngurare told lawmakers.
He highlighted the Regional Councils Amendment Bill as one such reform aimed at reducing political interference in administrative matters.
The bill, tabled by Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa, proposes removing staff management functions from Regional Councils and placing them under professional administrative control.
“The tabled amendment is progressive in nature as it seeks to remove human resources management from the Regional Councils, which are political bodies, to ensure fairness and transparency,” said Ngurare.
“Where powers and authority over administrative functions such as staff appointments and discipline vest in a political body, it obviously creates room for administrative processes to be subjected to undue political influence or being politicised,” he added.
The President’s message also addressed bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption, calling for ministers and public servants to act with urgency, transparency and full accountability.
“The Government shall not tolerate corruption, delaying tactics and corridor hindrance, as it is business unusual. Anyone that stands in the way of effective service delivery will be swept away by the tidal wave of our uncompromising commitment to service delivery to the Namibian people,” Ngurare said.
Ministers have been ordered to submit quarterly progress reports and ensure no funds are returned to Treasury while development projects remain incomplete.
“It is our resolve that no money should be returned to Treasury while projects and programmes remain incomplete. Ministers are under instructions to act urgently and decisively to ensure that all projects and programmes are implemented. Those found wanting in this regard will be held accountable,” he warned.
Ngurare also urged the Anti-Corruption Commission and prosecuting authorities to intensify efforts to root out malpractice in government institutions.
The President’s message concluded with a strong call for visible results and unity of purpose across all regions.
“In all 14 Regions, in all 121 Constituencies, as the saying goes ‘the dust must be seen’. Therefore, Ministers are under instructions to act urgently and decisively to ensure that all projects and programmes are implemented,” Ngurare said.
