Africa-Press – Namibia. THE deputy minister of urban and rural development, Natalia /Goagoses, on Thursday signed a three-month outcome-based performance agreement between the Erongo Regional Council and the seven local authorities in the region.
In the agreement, she outlines five deliverables she believes would make regional and local governments more people-centred and responsive to developmental and knowledge-based challenges.
/Goagoses wants to see a dedicated intervention activity plan on how these local authorities and the regional council want to improve their financial management.
“There is nothing called intimidation, victimisation, tribalism or regionalism. Therefore mayors, if you are making yourselves guilty of these ‘isms’, you must stop here. Bury them and strive for unity,” she says.
The ministry requires tangible plans from the authorities within three months in which they should prove which developmental projects they intend to implement in the 2022/23 financial year.
“You will prove to the minister the projects and activities with timelines to be carried out. You should tell us who is responsible to report at intervals to the minister,” /Goagoses says.
Part of the agreement is that regular council meetings with structured agendas are held as prescribed in the local authorities and regional councils acts.
The ministry also wants conflicts between councils and itself resolved amicably, especially on matters that require ministerial intervention.
/Goagoses admits that the ministry frustrates councils and urges them not to take matters up with the media.
“We admit that. But don’t petition your ministry in the media. Don’t petition your minister with the electorate. You have a direct link with the minister if you have an issue to share or complain about,” she says.
She urges councils not to undermine or defy the minister’s directive.
“Don’t do that. If you do not understand the intention of any directive or letter coming from the minister, seek that understanding.
“If you do not comply with the five issues, the minister will act upon any defiance,” she says.
The agreement stems from the ongoing infighting within local authorities and regional councils that sees many without substantive heads of administration due to prolonged suspensions and absenteeism.
The //Kharas, Hardap and Omaheke regions are some which have been operating without substantive chief regional officers.
While Oranjemund and Grootfontein are without chief executive officers (CEOs), Gobabis and Tsumeb appointed CEOs last week.
Walvis Bay will readvertise the position.
Representing local authority administrators, Swakopmund CEO Alfeus Benjamin attributed infighting to a lack of vision.
“We fight because we lack developmental priorities. We also fight because we do not celebrate our success as a collective. We also fight because we do not have respect for each other,” he said.
The Association of Local Authorities of Namibia (Alan) was represented by Karibib mayor Davey van Wyk.
“Alan is supporting the idea that the administration and councillors should work together,” he said.
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