Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called for the automation of key government services to enhance accessibility for all Namibians and improve the efficiency of service delivery.
Speaking during a staff engagement session, Ngurare highlighted the vital role government services play in the daily lives of citizens and stressed the need for a more responsive and effective public service.
“Namibians are in need of the services rendered by the Government every day. These services should be delivered to them in the manner that will serve their needs best,” the Prime Minister said.
“If the service should reach them through digital platforms or through in-person engagements, then we must know exactly what they need and how we will address those needs. It remains our responsibility to make sure that all needed services reach them. There is a need for automation of key services in order to enhance accessibility.”
Ngurare further urged supervisors to ensure that all public servants have performance agreements in place, with regular reviews to monitor progress, provide feedback, and identify training needs.
“The aspects of the performance management system include reviews of progress reports, providing continuous feedback, and addressing identified shortcomings — both in terms of providing the necessary support to enable staff to perform optimally, and holding them accountable where necessary,” he explained.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of readiness in the face of natural disasters and emergencies, noting that the effectiveness of government response can have life-altering consequences.
“Our response should always be timely and impactful. We must find sustainable and resilient ways to assist affected communities and help them recover,” he said.
On the issue of emergency procurement and aid distribution, Ngurare emphasised the importance of ethical conduct and transparency, warning against any form of corruption or mismanagement.
“The rights of the people must be respected and protected at all times. We must be accountable for all goods and supplies, and there should be no trace of corruption or unethical conduct. Market research should be thorough, and local suppliers must be prioritised,” the Prime Minister said.
Ngurare concluded by calling for greater collaboration and unity among departments within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), underscoring that no department should consider itself more important than another.
