Oshakati: Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has called for stronger cooperation between political leaders and administrative officials, warning that divisions within local authorities are undermining service delivery and public trust. He stressed that effective governance depends on a balanced partnership between councillors and municipal staff.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Sankwasa's remarks were delivered in a speech read on his behalf Wednesday by his deputy Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele at the 22nd Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Namibian Association of Local Authority Officials (NALAO) in Oshakati. 'We need to understand the parameters of political administrative dichotomy. Therefore, when councillors and municipal managers work in harmony, with a shared vision and mutual respect, the results are seen in improved service delivery, more responsive governance, and greater trust in public institutions,' he said.

Sankwasa cautioned against internal conflicts, urging staff members to refrain from undermining elected officials due to political differences, adding that cooperation should be treated as 'a practical necessity' rather than a theoretical ideal. 'Staff members must stop sabotaging the politicians because of their political differences and affiliation,' he said.

The minister also raised concern over persistent divisions among councillors themselves, noting that disagreements, while inherent in democratic systems, should not stall development. He called for 'effective teamwork accompanied by constructive dialogue' to ensure progress toward sustainable development goals.

Sankwasa urged local authority chief executive officers and professionals to uphold their role as custodians of local democracy by providing objective, expert guidance to councillors, enabling informed, lawful decision-making and reinforcing integrity in public service. 'When you provide sound, evidence-based advice, you empower councillors to make decisions that are not only legal but are in the best interest of the community and the towns they promised to serve and develop when they were campaigning for political office. Never compromise your professional ethics for the sake of expediency and a smart city is a city governed by the rule of law and integrity.'

He further highlighted the need for stronger coordination across all levels of government, linking local governance challenges to broader national and regional priorities, and emphasised that such a collaborative approach is fundamental to addressing pressing issues such as urbanisation, housing, land delivery and public service delivery across the country. The conference is taking place from Wednesday to Friday under the theme 'Inspiring people-centred smart cities for inclusive and sustainable urbanisation'.