Meanwhile, the committee has commended several ongoing development projects in the Zambezi Region, describing them as evidence that public funds are being put to good use.

During its oversight visit, the committee inspected projects in the education, agriculture and local government sectors.

The members of the committee said they were impressed by the progression of the Katima Mulilo modern school, which is under construction and which, once completed, will accommodate learners from pre-primary through to advanced subsidiary (AS) level.

The committee also visited the Katima Mulilo Correctional Service farming unit, where an irrigation project is nearing completion.

The project is progressing well, and the allocated funds are being utilised appropriately.

They further praised development taking place at Bukalo Village Council, where rehabilitation of the sewerage ponds is underway, shack dweller housing initiatives are progressing and private investors are constructing residential properties and other services.

The committee's acting chairperson, Werner IIta, says the developments position Bukalo to host visitors and contribute to local economic growth.

"I think the development taking place in Bukalo is very good, and it's a good example to the rest of the village councils in this country."

Despite these achievements, local authorities highlighted a number of infrastructure needs.

Bukalo Village Council identified the absence of a police station and an open market as key challenges, while Katima Mulilo Town Council raised concerns over funding required for expanding its sewerage infrastructure.

Iita encouraged local authorities to pursue development in phases, saying projects do not have to be completed all at once.

"They must start small; they can request a substation instead of a fully fledged police station, and gradually they can construct that police station, that substation; they can grow it to a full-fledged police station, and even Katima Town Council, they say they need funds to build a sewerage system. The government has appropriated N$600 and N$17 million; let them use that money correctly and gradually."

The committee also encouraged local authorities to explore financing from development finance institutions, pointing to examples such as Oshakati and Ongwediva, which successfully secured and repaid loans for infrastructure development.

The committee says sound financial planning and proper utilisation of available resources remain essential to accelerating development and improving service delivery in local communities.