Marythar Kambinda

KATIMA MULILO - Deputy minister of urban and rural development Nathalia /Goagoses was disappointed in leaders of the Zambezi region for not showing up to a regional consultation meeting on Wednesday in Katima Mulilo.

This is after seven regional councillors, four local authority councillors from Katima Mulilo Town Council, and three traditional authorities were all absent from the meeting. “I am very disappointed that for such a crucial meeting, the majority of the people who were supposed to attend are not here,” fumed
/Goagoses.

The deputy minister said the meeting was organised to discuss crucial matters pertaining to the administration of the region, and it was vital for everyone to attend, as matters discussed would benefit the community at large. The meeting was held under the theme: ‘Strengthening Councillors and Staff Working Relations in Regional Councils and Local Authorities’.

The minister noted she was, however, aware that some regional councils and local authorities have been operating for a long time without accounting officers. 

/Goagoses was also concerned with the increase in the number of offices that are at loggerheads due to disputes between councillors and staff within their offices, which she said hampers service delivery, which should not be the case as they have been entrusted to deliver.

“The ministry, as well as the public, are to be dumbfounded when these two structured politicians, councillors and management, who have initially made similar promises, end up at loggerheads, sabotaging and suspending each other,” said
/Goagoses. 

She further added that it was for that reason that the ministry, with the consent of all the 14 regional councils and 57 local authorities, is in conversation on this matter to establish a common interest that is critical for the development of the country.

“We need to reflect on how we should handle issues of appointments, suspensions, and renewal of employment contracts of the accounting officers of subnational governments in accordance with the relevant legislation such as the Regional Councils Act of 1992, as amended, and the Local Authorities Act of 1992, as amended,” she said.

She further stated that the infighting between politicians and administrative staff should be condemned, and professional conduct and debates should be upheld.

/Goagoses also advised regional leaders to be cognizant of the root causes of the unfavourable situations at the workplace, and how they can improve the situation and encouraged leaders to ensure that efforts to standardise service delivery are met. 

The meeting also aimed to discuss financial prudence, which involves the chief regional officers and chief executive officers who must submit accurate and clear financial management reports to councillors during council meetings.

- mkambinda@nepc.com.na