Erongo: Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses has urged newly elected regional councillors and senior administrators to uphold uncompromised service delivery, warning that poor performance, particularly in education and governance, will no longer be tolerated. Addressing councillors and officials at the opening of a two-day internal induction workshop of the Erongo Regional Council (ERC) on Wednesday, the governor stressed that leadership must translate into measurable results for communities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the governor commended the council's administration for early signs of improved operational and financial discipline, noting that financial controls must be firmly in place before the end of each financial year. 'We are required at all levels to provide quality services without compromise to the people in our constituencies, local authorities and traditional communities,' the governor said. |Goagoses cautioned that there would be no excuse for poor financial management or weak oversight.

The governor also raised concern over declining education outcomes in the region, stating that poor results reflect collective failure by leaders, communities, and institutions. She warned against tolerating drugs, weapons, and alcohol in schools, announcing plans to establish alternative rehabilitation, vocational, and agricultural programmes for learners affected by social ills. 'We cannot celebrate when things are not right. Education depends on all of us,' she said, calling for stronger accountability from school management, inspectors, and planners.

ERC Management committee chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe said the induction was timely and critical for building unity, trust, and shared responsibility between political leadership and administration. He also said the council is committed to fostering collaboration and professionalism.

Chief Regional Officer (CRO) Sem Ntelamo highlighted that the induction marked the transition of councillors from candidates to civic leaders and lawmakers. He emphasised that councillors carry the trust of voters and must exercise oversight with integrity while supporting the administration. He said the programme focuses on constitutional mandates, internal procedures, financial governance, and accountability, guided by Article 110 of the Constitution and key legislative frameworks. 'The regional council is one institution. It is not 'them and us', but ourselves working collectively,' Ntelamo said, before calling for sustained cooperation between political and administrative leadership.