Members of parliament (MPs) in the National Council have called on the government for improved infrastructure around mental health institutions and fully qualified psychologists.

Parliament is strengthening its role in holding the government accountable, as parliamentary leaders renewed calls for lawmakers to put the interests of citizens ahead of politics.

The Pensioner Population to Postal Services report by the National Proximity Atlas 2 has revealed uneven postal services around the country, as some regions face significant service pressure. 

There are 135 post offices countrywide serving 206,675 pensioners.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, has denied accusations by some Members of Parliament that she is biased when presiding over debates.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, says current parliamentary procedures require review and amendment to improve efficiency, while a lack of consensus among Members of Parliament contributed to delays in concluding some legislative matters during the Third Session.

The third session of the eighth Parliament officially concluded last week on Friday, with MPs now expected to carry out constituency engagements, oversight visits and other responsibilities in accordance with their constitutional obligations during the recess period.

While Members of Parliament welcomed Namibia's removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, some lawmakers questioned whether international financial standards leave enough room for countries to determine their own priorities.

The National Assembly is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow.

The National Assembly adjourned on the 30th of April and went on a month-long recess.  During the recess period, MPs carried out oversight visits and other constituency-related responsibilities throughout the country.

Newly elected MPs and deputy ministers used their maiden speeches in the National Council to call for industrial development to address socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, housing shortages, and limited access to healthcare and basic services.

Members of Parliament scrutinised the N$1.3 billion budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, raising concerns over funding sustainability, equitable distribution of marine resources, agriculture decolonisation, and water harvesting strategies.