Windhoek: The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, on Monday called on government officials, constituency councillors, and experts in rural and urban development sectors to provide a balanced service delivery to both urban and rural areas. Sankwasa made these remarks in a statement delivered on his behalf at the start of a five-day annual rural development progress review and planning workshop at the Otjozondjupa Regional Council hall in Otjiwarongo.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the ministry applauded the officials' attendance, stating their presence was a sign of their commitment to uplifting rural communities. Sankwasa noted that their participation signalled a drive to transform rural Namibia into a space of opportunity, dignity, and sustainable development. He also highlighted the challenges faced by urban areas due to increasing migration from rural to urban centres, a trend that burdens local authorities' infrastructure and service delivery and requires immediate attention.

Sankwasa questioned why people are leaving rural areas for urban centres, pointing out that at independence, over 60 percent of Namibians resided in rural areas, whereas at present, over 50 percent are in urban areas. He stated that urban sprawl has led to a crisis, including limited job opportunities in cities. He called for urgent action to ensure balanced urban and rural development, emphasizing that rural areas must be developed by supporting entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, infrastructure, and industry development, as well as empowering young people.

Otjozondjupa Region Governor Julius //Khamuseb echoed these sentiments, stating that the workshop should focus on creating concrete action plans to address rural-urban migration and the equitable distribution of government resources for urban and rural settlements. //Khamuseb urged for proper planning on resource distribution to abolish poverty among the people. The workshop is set to conclude on Friday.