Members of Parliament in the National Council commended the government for the substantial increment in this year's national budget. 

They are, however, concerned about a lack of implementation strategies.

MPs pointed out shortcomings in the allocation and execution of funds within key ministries, including health and agriculture.

National Assembly MPs have set aside their political differences to support the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Diederik Vries' motion that calls for urgent measures to address the food security situation in the country.

The motion has been forwarded to the relevant parliamentary standing committee for further review.

Herlinde Tjiveze of the Republican Party (RP) pointed out global food insecurity as climate change effects become a reality.

She advocated for sustainable solutions.

The National Council and Swapo Party Member of Parliament, George Garab, tabled the report on the 71st Westminster Seminar of the Common Wealth Parliamentary Association on effective parliaments held in March.

63 delegates from Namibia attended the seminar, which Garab said met its objectives, highlighting the importance of parliamentary scrutiny and oversight.

The 147th IPU Assembly is set to convene in Luanda, Angola, from October 23 to 27, 2023.

This global gathering will bring together parliamentarians, partner organisations, and experts under the theme "Parliamentary Action for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions."

Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, the Assembly aims to strengthen governance structures, enhance public institutions, and address global crises.

Several MPs in the National Assembly have resisted its current format, the N$1 million motion tabled by Swapo MP Elifa Dingara.

Dingara tabled a motion proposing that every Namibian be given a million dollars to keep poverty at bay.

Some lawmakers called the motion unrealistic.

In his motivation, Dingara explained that the money does not need to come from the state's purse but from the country's abundant natural resources.

The story of Late Hompa Kandjimi-Hauwanga, who is considered a remarkable figure from the VaKwangali community, unfolded as Member of Parliament Hamunyera Hambyuka passionately moved a motion demanding recognition of his significant role and called for the repatriation of his remains and those of other Namibians from Germany.

"He fought against the enemy of Namibia and Africa as a whole. His death also marked the fall of the Ukwangali empire, and his warriors were known for conquering other kingdoms in Kavango and southern Angola."

The non-payment of conservancy employees' salaries is one of the similar concerns discovered by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources in many areas.

The committee, which visited Salambala Conservancy on Monday, was informed that employees have not received their salaries since February this year due to the absence of a management committee, which is supposed to sign off on various administrative issues.

The hygienic conditions and self-sustainability of the Walvis Bay Correctional Facility have impressed parliamentarians who visited the facility recently. 

Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence and Security have therefore called on other correctional facilities to emulate the standards.

Built 49 years ago, the Walvis Bay Correctional Facility accommodates 258 male offenders, of which 14 are foreigners while three are awaiting trial.

Associate Professor in the Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance at NUST, Teresia Kaulihowa, questioned whether the current budget allocation will be sufficient to improve and expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Kaulihowa said this at a post-2023/2024 budget analysis and advocacy workshop for members of Parliament in Windhoek. 

TVET system is being improved through a number of measures to reduce youth unemployment and promote economic development.

MPs in the National Council are calling for an urgent intervention to address the appalling state of the health facilities across the country, describing it as shocking.

This came to light when MPs shared their views on a report by the Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare and Labour Affairs before the house went on recess.