In a move aimed at bolstering regional and local development efforts, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, presented the Regional and Constituency Development Fund Bill to the National Assembly. 

The bill seeks to establish a dedicated fund to financially support development projects in both regional and local authority areas.

The proposed legislation is a response to the challenges faced by regional councils in fulfilling their mandates due to limited financial resources. 

Members of Parliament collectively offered words of encouragement to Monica Geingos, the widow of the late President Hage Geingob, urging her to remain resilient during this challenging time.

With emotional words, they encouraged Geingos to stay strong, emphasising the importance of perseverance.

Recalling the pivotal role played by the late President Hage Geingob, MPs highlighted his commitment to combating tribalism, his implementation of inclusive policies, and his compassionate care for both the youth and vulnerable populations.

National Council members and government executive directors expressed their deepest sympathies and offered their support to the Geingo family during their time of mourning.

This was done during scheduled visits to Casa Rosalia.

Victoria Kauma, Vice Chairperson of the National Council, conveyed a heartfelt message of condolence on behalf of the members of the MPs to Monica Geingos, the children, and the family at their residence.

The government's executive directors also paid their respects and offered condolences to the Geingo family.

National Council MPs are advocating for the implementation of relief measures and for assurance that transport operators will not be charged exorbitant fines.

This proposition stems from the consideration of the Vehicle Mass Bill, wherein proposals are made to explore the legalisation of overloading offences for transport operators.

Parliament kicked off with interviews with the Electoral Commission of Namibia's commissioner candidate.

Initially, 30 applications were received, 14 were shortlisted, and four withdrew.

The selection committee, which is made up of Batseba Katjiuongua, Neli Tjahikika, Sebastian Kandunda, Zaa Nashandi, Harmoni Beukes, Lydia Kandetu, and Elizabeth Amutenya, will make recommendations to the President with respect to the suitability, qualifications, and experience of the applicants.

Tax and customs offices are the gatekeepers of a country's economy and should be respected as such.

This was the view of Swapo Party Member of Parliament, Natangwe Ithete, who stressed the importance of public education and creating awareness of people's duty to pay taxes to the state.

Ithete further expressed worry about the lack of staff at the Namibia Revenue Agency.

was pleased with an increase in revenue collection by NamRa in the northern and western regions.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Loide Kasingo, led a delegation in an outreach programme to the Ohangwena Region, advocating the concept of "Taking Parliament closer to the people."

During the visit, the delegation demonstrated the legislative functions in relation to the Organs of State, with a focus on legislation, oversight, and representation.

During the engagement, community members were given the opportunity to comment, ask questions, and share challenges in their constituencies.

Members of the National Council have called on the Electoral Commission of Namibia to implement a permanent voter card system. 

This proposal, aimed at streamlining the electoral process, seeks to boost efficiency and minimise administrative burdens.

Additionally, the council members expressed concerns regarding the time gap between the announcement of election results and the official assumption of office. 

These issues were raised during discussions on Section 25 of the Electoral Amendment Bill.

The National Council (NC) session today ended abruptly because of heated exchanges between some parliamentarians.

The session spiralled into chaos as Members of Parliament (MP) raised concerns over a report tabled by the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Housing on its oversight mission to the regions.

NC MP and Independent candidate Paulus Mbangu demanded that the report be withdrawn as it was not in conformity with the set standards of parliamentary reports.

Findings from oversight reports by the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Housing reveal stark disparities, particularly in rural communities, highlighting challenges of accessibility and outdated infrastructure, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.

Presenting the report to the National Council, Chairperson of the Standing Committee, Swapo Party MP Alfeus Abraham, called for urgent attention to address the challenges in line with national development objectives.