Namibia has an interest in implementing Zambia's decentralisation policy, particularly the devolution of functions from central government to the local authority level.

The business community and residents of Katima Mulilo say a lack of consultation on development matters by the council has resulted in stagnation. 

They raised this concern during a consultative meeting with the Minister for Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has confronted the Katima Mulilo Town Council over a controversial land-vehicle exchange.

The minister demanded an immediate review of the procedure for valuing the exchanged vehicles versus the land.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, said he was disappointed to learn when he took over the ministry that the Masokotwani project remained incomplete because of financial mismanagement by the Zambezi Regional Council.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development is concerned about the slow pace of development of Bukalo Village Council over the past nine years.

Bukalo Village Council CEO, Ntwala Sazita, says the local authority is struggling to grow due to numerous challenges related to staffing and operational issues.

Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has raised concerns about succession disputes within traditional authorities. 

He raised the issue during his address at the belated independence celebration at Mukwe in Kavango East over the weekend.

Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel has said that continued decentralisation of services will facilitate economic empowerment in the regions to easily access services.

Otjozondjupa Governor James Uerikua says the completion of the biomass project at Otjiwarongo would help address developmental hindrances such as drought.