The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Sankwasa James Sankwasa, says the provision of basic services and the servicing of land remain top priorities for the ministry.

Sankwasa held a meeting to address staff members in the ministry about what he expects from them in terms of service delivery during his five-year tenure.

The minister urged staff members to refrain from practising politics, tribalism and corruption when carrying out civil duties.

He emphasised the need for employees to work as a collective to serve all Namibians in providing effective solutions to housing and sanitation.

Sankwasa also addressed the formalisation of informal areas for which 500 million dollars had been made available in line with the Swapo Party Manifesto.

He said focusing on servicing land and providing access to basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity should be one of their top priorities.

He further encouraged the employees to come up with innovative ideas on how the ministry will execute its mandate with excellence so that all Namibians will benefit.