If there is one thing that local authorities can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic, is a zeal to diversify and reinforce economies, strengthen social inclusion, ensure equal access to digitalization for the residents as well as build secure communities. 

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Natalia |Goagoses highlighted this during the renewal of the memorandum of cooperation between the Association for Local Authorities in Namibia and South African Local Government Association at Walvis Bay.  

|Goagoses says local governments are faced with significant challenges, such as poverty and unemployment among the residents resulting in them not being able to afford basic services.

There is also a lack of basic services in the informal settlements, and collaboration and cooperation among local authorities are needed in the adoption of the best practices.

"I believe that we can only achieve and overcome our challenges if we work as a team, and therefore cannot overemphasise the importance of these partnerships that is entered into by the two Associations, in order to work together and provide support to enhance the capacity of our both elected office bearers and administrators on the request for inputs as ALAN, we heavily rely on your expertise in order to achieve our objective of representation and being the voice for local authorities."
 
ALAN President, Dr Samuel !O-Amseb, said the agreement with the South African Local Government Association will provide an excellent opportunity to expand bilateral relations as well as knowledge sharing at the local government level.

"Under this agreement, the two associations will cooperate and develop operational plans in several key, emerging fields of development, primarily capacity building, and project management, amongst others."  

South African Local Government Association President, Bheke Stofile hopes that the agreement will foster good governance, capacity building and streamlining of economic activities for the benefit of the people of both countries.  

The two associations' relationship was established in 2008.