Query: MPs can decline being appointed in any position if they cannot afford housing in Windhoek. There are homeless people in Windhoek as well. At least parliamentarians are earning thousands plus huge amounts of S&T.
Response: The debate going on about the “Parliament Village” is misleading and devoid of truth. It emanates from the floor of the House during the discussion on Vote 23 (Works). Some members of parliament (MPs) expressed concerns about lack of accommodation in Windhoek, particularly with regards to new MPs who might be struggling with securing decent accommodation for themselves and their families after being elected to join the National Assembly. As a practice in many democracies, parliaments provide secure official accommodation to MPs who are unable to find their own accommodation at the time of joining parliament. These accommodation facilities are occupied on a rent basis where MPs pay market-related rental fees, and are expected to vacate these temporary dwellings when alternative accommodation is attained. This practice is found in countries such as Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, among others.
During the debate on Vote 23, MPs engaged in a discussion and offered options that are found somewhere else, and not in Namibia.
The Parliament of Namibia does not offer accommodation of any kind to its members. Thus, the debate around the much-talked about “Parliament Village” was merely a discussion from the floor of the House in relation to Vote 23. There is no “Parliament Village” being built for now.
Through Parliament’s open-door policy, and public participation in the law-making process, the National Assembly encourages citizens to continue to participate in the discussions around matters brought to the House for deliberation. The best laws are made when you participate.
David Nahogandja, Chief Liaison Officer, d.nahogandja@parliament.gov.na