Swakopmund: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economy and Industries, Public Administration and Planning commenced its week-long oversight mission to various capital projects in the Erongo Region on Monday. The mission, which concludes on Friday, is focused on capital projects funded through the Development Budget under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the period 2023/24-2025/26. The committee is set to conduct inspections in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Karibib, and Omaruru to assess the progress on projects approved by Parliament.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Committee Chairperson Sebastian Karupu stated that the purpose of the visit is to exercise parliamentary oversight over the executive and assess whether projects funded through public resources are being implemented as planned. 'We are here to hear what you have planned, the progress made, and the challenges you experience in executing your duties. Our responsibility is to ensure that these projects transform this region and benefit citizens,' he stated. The committee plans to physically inspect projects funded under key development votes, including industrialisation and trade, water, and transport infrastructure.
The chairperson expressed concern over cases where regional offices are excluded from critical decision-making processes. 'You leave people on the ground behind, yet they are the ones who must implement and supervise. We want to understand why that is happening,' he noted. Chief Regional Officer Sem Ntelamo highlighted several structural challenges that impede effective implementation at the regional level. Although sectors such as education are decentralised, major capital projects remain controlled from Windhoek, which limits the region's ability to supervise contractors or intervene when delays occur.
Ntelamo cited a school project in Tubusis, which cost N.dollars 70 million but remains incomplete long after its expected August 2024 handover date. 'The project fell far behind schedule, and as a result, the school had to close temporarily. Sections of the hostel were blocked off, toilets were demolished, and children fell ill due to hygiene concerns,' he said. The committee's findings and recommendations will be reported to Parliament after the conclusion of the mission.