Oshakati: National Planning Commission (NPC) Director General Kaire Mbuende has called for stronger monitoring, coordination, and accountability in the implementation of public infrastructure projects to address delays and improve service delivery. Mbuende made the remarks during a high-level stakeholder engagement on capital projects for the 2026/27 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework in Oshakati on Friday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Mbuende emphasized that the government allocates substantial resources annually to capital investment in infrastructure and other development projects aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating employment, improving public services, and enhancing citizens' quality of life. He noted that while these investments are intended to achieve significant economic and social benefits, their success depends on efficient, timely, and budget-compliant project implementation.
Mbuende pointed out that, despite Namibia's relatively strong financial execution of its development budget, challenges persist across various sectors and regions that hinder effective project delivery. Key issues identified include lengthy procurement processes, inadequate project preparation, limited project management capacity, weak coordination among implementing institutions, and insufficient monitoring of project performance.
He stressed that development planning should extend beyond budget allocations, with success measured by completed infrastructure, improved public services, and tangible socio-economic benefits for communities. Mbuende highlighted the necessity for closer collaboration between central government, regional councils, local authorities, and implementing agencies through regular communication, timely reporting, and joint efforts to resolve bottlenecks before they affect project delivery.
Furthermore, Mbuende shared that the NPC is committed to strengthening its monitoring and evaluation systems, improving coordination across government, and promoting greater accountability in the implementation of capital projects. He emphasized enhancing working relations with all stakeholders to improve reporting mechanisms and ensure that development investments achieve their intended results.
He urged institutions involved in development projects to bolster project planning, improve procurement readiness, and enhance continuous monitoring to ensure public investments contribute to economic growth, job creation, and improved service delivery.