SWAKOPMUND – Erongo governor Neville Andre has urged regional councillors to prioritise accountability and good governance in executing their duties.
Speaking at the first regional council meeting in Swakopmund recently, Andre reminded councillors of their constitutional responsibilities.
He highlighted the distinct mandates of the chairperson of the regional council and the governor’s office, as stipulated in the Regional Councils Act.
“These roles should not be confused. It is imperative that we understand and respect these constitutional provisions to ensure seamless governance without any misconceptions,” Andre said. He clarified that the chief regional officer, a position recently filled, has dual reporting lines to both the chairperson and the governor.
“There should be no misgivings about this, as these political offices can be occupied by anyone at any given time,” he said. Andre called on councillors to use the remainder of their term to address critical regional issues, such as youth unemployment, lack of sporting facilities and the need for vocational training institutions.
“We must ask ourselves whether we have truly met the expectations of our people. Their living standards should reflect the work we do,” he said.
He urged councillors to take stock of challenges such as food insecurity within their constituencies, and work towards tangible solutions.
The governor highlighted the importance of ethical leadership, warning against practices that undermine public trust. “We cannot afford to engage in unethical practices that erode the confidence of our communities. As leaders, we must set an example and uphold good governance, accountability and the rule of law,” he stated.
Andre outlined key development priorities for the region, including job-creation, youth empowerment and education.
He noted that Erongo’s unemployment rate stands at 32%, calling for collaboration with the private sector to create economic opportunities.
“We have a thriving industrial sector, yet many of our young people remain unemployed. We must equip them with skills through vocational training to ensure they become part of the economic value chain,” he said. He added that there is a need for value-addition to the region’s natural resources, improved sports infrastructure, and further investment in education.
The governor called on councillors to work together, despite political differences, to drive development. “A divided house cannot stand. While disagreements are natural, they should lead to solutions that benefit all our people,” he said.
Chairperson of the council Benitha Imbamba echoed similar sentiments.
She urged councillors to prioritise education, skills training and capacity-building across the region. “Let us forge strong partnerships with local educational institutions, vocational training centres and the private sector to equip our people with the skills needed to participate in the modern economy and access technical jobs available on the market.
“By empowering individuals, we foster self-reliance, create opportunities, and set the foundation for long-term growth,” she said.
-edeklerk@nepc.com