The Association for Local Authorities in Namibia (Alan) kicked off its congress at Oshakati yesterday, with a number of issues, including the election of a new leadership topping the agenda. 

Alan president Katrina Shimbulu said the congress brings together over 300 delegates representing local authorities around the country. 

“This is the first major gathering in local development since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she told New Era yesterday. 

She indicated the gathering will set the tone on how local authorities in Namibia will instil confidence, hope and leadership in communities post Covid-19. 

Shimbulu explained the global and national occurrences that highlighted the last two years have necessitated them to refocus and rededicate their efforts to deal with the economic tidal for sustaining not only Alan but their communities. 

“Other key deliberations set for the Congress include a review of the system of remuneration and benefits for councillors, status of the land reform policy paper and housing policy review,” she said. 

Shimbulu also stated the congress will include conditions of service for local elected office bearers and formalisation of informal settlements and spatial planning, land use management and human settlement.

The congress will also see the election of a new Alan board as well as a new president and vice president.