President Hage Geingob has called on regional governors to refrain from infighting at regional councils and to instead work together in order to achieve nation-building and service delivery.

Geingob made the call after reports of infighting among councillors at some regional councils.

Addressing all governors at State House on Wednesday, Geingob said they should work towards elevating their duties for nation-building and not to fight within the councils.

“When there is harmony between the chairperson and the governor there is no problem, but when they are conflicting and there is fighting, there will be problems,” he said.

The Head of State also noted that during the State of the Region Address (SORA), governors should address the nation and not the council, therefore the process should be done in a manner that benefits the public by delivering the SORA in the official language, which is English.

“Some of you speak on national television addressing the public in your local languages, so whom are you representing? This office?” asked Geingob, adding that governors should officially address the nation in the official language.

Geingob went on to say that Namibia is a unitary state which was divided, therefore the government is working towards uniting its people and governors should be aware of this and carry out the duty of central government in unison.

Highlighting common challenges faced by regional councils, Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua on behalf of her counterparts indicated lack of housing, water, road infrastructure, lack of vehicles and staff establishments as well as lack of funds as main amongst others.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency