As the year draws to a close, Association of Local Authorities Namibia (ALAN) President Samuel !Oë-Amseb says councils and village settlements across the country have worked tirelessly to deliver services to their residents amidst the challenges of full funding for development projects.

!Oë-Amseb expressed these views during an interview with nbc News at Tsumeb.

!Oë-Amseb says many local authorities managed to address water provision challenges, sewer reticulation, and housing development despite hefty rates and tax debt incurred by residents.

"The challenges are well known to all of us, and it has been a very tough year. However, local authorities have done the best they can to keep the taps open and ensure there is running, clean water for every resident. They have also ensured that the trash is cleaned regularly to ensure the towns are clean. I must admit that the service delivery with regard to local authorities is not yet at the level that we wish as an association representing local authorities across Namibia, and this is because of a number of issues, including financial constraints. Financial constraints exist merely because residents are not paying for service delivery by the council."

The association's president called on residents to settle their debts for development to take full shape in their areas.

!Oë-Amseb added that this year saw a few infights amongst councillors during swearing in ceremonies, as animosities often leave them at loggerheads.

"It has been my plea all the time, as ALAN President, that we as local authority councillors must put aside our differences in terms of who is from which party and then put all our energy to focus on the development of a particular town. I must, however, be proud and very happy to observe this particular December and November when the election of office bearers took place in Namibia. I must say that I am not aware of any council that was not able to renew their office-bearer term of office. When we have peace in the local authority, the councillor will be able to focus on implementing their strategic plans and their development plans."

!Oë-Amseb also expressed that in 2024, the association will work hard to encourage local authorities to deliver on lagging development projects and job creation for their residents.