The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has handed over 57 desktop computers and printers to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) for distribution to local authorities.

Following a deadlock in salary and wage negotiations, the Namibia Local Authority Union (NLAU) has declined Tsumeb Municipality’s 4% across-the-board offer.

Swapo Party MP, Marlyn Mbakera, sought clarity from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) on progress made with the project to reorganise structures of local authorities in 2014.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has warned that the misuse of public funds in some regional and local authorities is weakening service delivery and slowing development.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has criticised local authorities for their failure to fully implement a directive intended to assist elderly residents who are struggling with water debt incurred during the COVID-19 period.

The Namibia Standard Institute (NSI) is undertaking a workshop on informal settlement profiles validation with some local authorities.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has warned local authorities that fail to submit audited financial statements, collect outstanding revenue, and improve service delivery that they should not expect government bailouts or funds.

Members of the National Council (NC) requested that the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) equip Local Authorities (LA) and Regional Councils (RC) with adequate financial resources to enhance development in rural areas.

The ministry has been allocated a budget of N$1.9 billion.

Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa described local authorities as the “biggest headache” facing his ministry, citing widespread financial mismanagement, weak governance, and inequitable land allocation as major obstacles.

Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson Paulus Nekundi called on local authorities to prioritize land allocation for SMEs to boost entrepreneurship and economic growth during the Otjiwanda SME and Youth Expo in Grootfontein.