WALVIS BAY – The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economy, Industry, Public Administration and Planning says while progress has been made in some government projects in the //Kharas region, there is a need to closely monitor government investments to ensure service delivery.
The committee on Friday concluded an oversight visit to inspect capital projects across the region as part of the Parliament’s constitutional mandate.
This is to ensure that public funds approved through the national budget are used effectively and that projects are implemented.
During the visit, the committee inspected several strategic projects, including regional airport infrastructure; upgrades to the railway line; renovations at Lüderitz Hospital; the refurbished old powerhouse in Lüderitz; the Oranjemund testing centre; informal trading facilities in Keetmanshoop; and selected agricultural projects.
Chairperson of the committee, Iipumbu Shiimi, said the government has a duty to monitor project execution to determine whether it delivers tangible benefits to Namibians.
“Parliament is charged with approving the budget. Hence, it is our responsibility to track and monitor projects funded through it. This is to see whether they are being implemented and whether they are making an impact in the lives of our people,” Shiimi said.
He explained that capital projects are intended to unlock economic opportunities, create employment, improve livelihoods, and reduce poverty, while others are aimed at improving access to essential public services such as healthcare and civic amenities.
Briefing on the visited projects, Shiimi acknowledged that the railway project had experienced significant delays in the past but said the committee was encouraged by the progress currently underway.
“We noted that there were serious delays previously, but we are pleased that work is now back on track. This is a significant and strategic investment for the country,” he said.
In Lüderitz, the committee inspected ongoing renovation work at Lüderitz Hospital, where roof renovations form part of the capital projects earmarked for the facility. Shiimi said the work was progressing well, with nearly 70% complete.
While acknowledging that the hospital has additional needs that will require future attention, Shiimi said the progress observed was satisfactory. The committee also visited the old powerhouse in Lüderitz, which has been converted into a museum and business hub hosting several enterprises, including green hydrogen company Hyphen. He described the project as a good example of adaptive reuse of infrastructure.
The committee further proceeded to Oranjemund to assess progress at the local testing centre, where some progress was noted, but the need to closely track investment towards developing a fully-fledged facility was emphasised.
In Keetmanshoop, engagements were held with the town council and inspections were conducted at informal trading facilities.
Shiimi said informal traders require continuous support and access to infrastructure that enables sustainable trading.
However, concerns were raised about slow implementation, senior officials’ absenteeism during engagements, and insufficient information in some cases. Shiimi said these issues would be escalated to the leadership of relevant ministries.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na
