Windhoek: Namibia National Mayors Forum (NNMF) president, Leonard Hango, has expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development for not attending the forum's Annual General Meeting (AGM), despite being formally invited. Speaking during the AGM held in Windhoek on Friday, Hango said the ministry's absence was regrettable, given the forum's efforts to foster closer collaboration between local and national government structures.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Hango stated, 'I asked them to be here and bless this event, but they could not come. They could not even delegate the deputy minister, executive director or deputy executive director. We are right next to their door, yet they are not coming to us.' He called on the mayors present to work together in addressing the disappointment constructively, while continuing to strengthen unity within the local government sector.

The AGM was attended by 33 mayors from various towns across the country. Hango commended the mayors for their commitment to advancing the goals of the forum, which seeks to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among local authorities. He further highlighted the forum's recent achievements, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NNMF, the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia and the Namibia Association of Local Authority Officials, which aims to enhance cooperation within the local governance sector.

'The unity we have established through this umbrella body will help us speak with one voice as we advocate for policy alignment, financial autonomy for local authorities, and greater citizen engagement,' Hango said. He also urged members to continue working towards building more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable towns and cities. The AGM was hosted by the City of Windhoek.