Cecilia Xavier
OPUWO – Information minister Emma Theofelus says the public information, sharing session held in Opuwo recently was aimed at bringing to life the Access to Information Act of 2022 that was passed a few years ago.
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) held a one-day public information-sharing session, aimed at bringing government services closer to the people, and fostering increased interaction between government officials and the public.
“It is a practical manifestation of our resolve to ensure that every Namibian, regardless of their location, has access to the full spectrum of government services and information. This initiative is crucial for building trust in our public service delivery, and for creating a participatory environment where citizens can provide feedback and hold us accountable,” Theofelus said.
She added that criticism often stems from a lack of effective communication channels, and when the public cannot get feedback and their concerns are not addressed, it increases mistrust and misinformation.
“By engaging in open dialogues and providing platforms for feedback, we can pre-empt these issues, improve services, and foster a culture of accountability and responsiveness,” she said.
Kunene governor Marius Sheya implored communication practitioners to ensure they provide the necessary information to the public for them to understand their various mandates, and how they can benefit from them.
“We do not have the luxury of having all your offices within the boundaries of the Kunene region. It is only platforms of this magnitude that would enable or assist us in getting the necessary information about your institution to our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the residents, Ndapandula Leevi, expressed her joy, noting that she managed to obtain free application forms to apply for employment at various institutions.
*Cecilia Xavier is an information officer at MICT Kunene.