The Minister of Urban and Rural Development has hailed local authorities for their determination to provide clear objectives focusing on addressing the critical needs of communities.

Erastus Uutoni said he is satisfied that the strategic plans are aligned with the national objectives to deliver affordable and quality services to the citizens.

He made the remarks at the launch of the Otjiwarongo Municipality's strategic plan.

Minister Uutoni revealed that some of the common outcries of the citizens are land and housing deliveries that will give them a sense of pride and a place to call home.

Uutoni says the ministry is initiating a process of land ownership through local authorities by providing serviced plots to residents to build their homes.

He advised local authorities not to be driven by making a profit by selling land to those with big pockets at the expense of the majority of the landless community.

Uutoni stressed that responsiveness to community needs is greatly measured through local authority provisions for basic services, including housing.

The minister urges all stakeholders to operationalize the plan as a living document, providing guidance and equivocal support to the management as well as residents alike.