Walvis bay: Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has issued a stern warning to local authorities, emphasizing that their failure to account for public funds, collect outstanding revenue, and improve service delivery could lead to the withdrawal of government funding. In his remarks, delivered at the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN) elective congress, Sankwasa highlighted the urgent need for councils to prioritize resident needs over political prestige.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Sankwasa stressed the importance of accountability, urging councils to submit audited financial statements promptly and enhance revenue collection to meet public expectations for better infrastructure and services such as roads, housing, water, and sanitation. He pointed out that inadequate revenue collection continues to hinder service delivery and urged local authorities to aggressively pursue outstanding debts owed by government institutions and businesses.
Sankwasa cautioned that local authorities failing to submit audited financial statements by the end of June should not expect government funding during the 2026/27 financial year. Meanwhile, ALAN outgoing president Samuel !O«-Amseb emphasized the critical role of local authorities in meaningful development, noting their daily interactions with communities.
!O«-Amseb highlighted achievements during ALAN's outgoing term, including policy advocacy, the launch of the ALAN Development Fund, capacity-building programs, a local government convention, and a blueprint for accelerating land and housing delivery. He also called for improved allowances for councillors, recognizing their accessibility as public representatives.
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Namibia Resident Representative Anna Hoffmann-Kwanga underscored the importance of decentralization for strengthening democracy and ensuring decisions are made closer to citizens. The congress, themed 'Empowering Communities: Local Government as Catalyst for People-Centred Development, Inclusion and Social Justice,' brings together various stakeholders to discuss local government challenges and opportunities.
The congress serves as ALAN's highest decision-making platform and will conclude with the election of new leadership to guide the association for the next three years. The previous elective congress took place in 2023, marking the start of the outgoing leadership's term under !O«-Amseb.