By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEK
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Association for Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) was signed in Windhoek last week Tuesday.
The MoU would enable the two parties to work together, exchange experiences and share best practices in the areas of HIV/AIDS, gender in local government and decentralization, and at the same time promote twining relations between the two countries’ local authorities. Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Minister of Regional, Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Kazenambo Kazenambo applauded the two associations for taking the initiative of a partnership as per the eighth millennium goal that promotes the global partnership for development. Kazenambo urged the two parties to explore and take advantage of the partnership in order to enhance service delivery in their respective communities.
“Given the human, financial, intellectual resources required, the challenges of local development in most local authorities are to enter into strategic networks and alliances to tap into what both sister associations and the global village have to offer.”
He stressed that local government theory and practices in an increased globalization were changing fast for most local authorities, adding that the majority were still struggling with entry into modern information and communication technologies, let alone running complex planning, budgeting and billing systems which are at the heart of local government delivery of even the most basic services such as the provision of clean water, sanitation, housing and electricity on an affordable and sustainable basis.
“This often hampers the implementation of the central government’s programmes, therefore I am happy to learn that the partnership is set to address these challenges of a socio-economic and developmental nature,” said Kazenambo. Both SALGA and ALAN were urged to look at areas of capacity building in the memorandum of understanding and share best practices as advocacy and lobbying role players for their members. Speaking at the same occasion, SALGA Executive Mayor and National Executive Committee Member, Dickson Masemola, said the agreement would usher in mutually and beneficial opportunities for both associations.
Masemola said relations between Namibia and South Africa come a long way as the two countries are not only bound by the struggle for emancipation, culture and family ties but are also bound by trade links and mutual business interests.
South Africa is amongst countries in Africa that have come a long way in establishing a vibrant local government dispensation that aims to better the lives of citizens, especially the poor. The country has successfully delivered in a number of areas, such as electrification, sanitation, housing and water provision.
“Although many challenges still remain, we are on track to meet our development goals,” said Masemola. ALAN President Rosina Hoabes hopes the partnership will go a long away and would be extended to other associations in the region and Africa.