The Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele, has directed local authorities to clean up their acts of poor service delivery and governance, as well as disregard for laws.
 
Nawases-Taeyele gave the directive while officiating at the Annual General Meeting of the Namibia National Mayors' Forum at Luderitz.

Agenda points for discussions during the elective AGM include ministerial approvals and directives, diplomatic passports for local authorities office-bearers, local authorities reform, and town planning approvals.

"Regrettable, the local government space is riddled with some not-so-good stories of poor governance and service delivery, disregard for the law and procedures, and a lack of unity of purpose. We should stop using the scarce resources at our disposal for legal battles rather than redirecting them to development. This does not reflect well and diverts our attention from the real task, which is to serve the people whom we have taken an oath to serve without favour, impartiality, fairness, and to the best of our abilities."

Trevino Forbes, Mayor of Walvis Bay, reflected on his tenure as outgoing president of the forum. 

"It is important to reflect on the journey we have taken and the progress we have made in this forum. During my tenure as president of the Namibia National Mayors' Forum, we will be able to revive the forum from its dormant stage, a milestone not to be taken lightly as this very important forum can help amplify the voice of our local governance in this country."

Also speaking at the occasion was the Mayor of Luderitz, Benjamin McKay.

"As we deliberate on a very important matter during these two days, I submit my prayer that we be guided by meeting the needs of our constituents. Let the needs and aspirations of the communities we represent take precedence or priority in our dealings, and let us change destinies for the better."