Windhoek: Minister of Urban and Rural Development (MURD), James Sankwasa, has raised concerns about corruption, financial mismanagement, and nepotism within regional and local authorities, warning that officials responsible for financial losses will be held accountable. Speaking at the official opening of a five-day regional and local authorities’ induction training, Sankwasa said he was ashamed of the state of governance at the subnational level, adding that regional and local authorities had become centers of personal enrichment rather than service delivery.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Sankwasa highlighted that regional and local authorities are riddled with corruption, financial and human resources mismanagement, land mismanagement, and other operational irregularities. He pointed out that some of these issues border on incompetence by the staff members appointed, while others result from misguided political directions. Sankwasa criticized the authorities for becoming a haven of personal enrichment and nepotistic ambitions often disguised as political affiliation, regionalism, and tribalism.

He noted that staffing decisions in many councils are influenced by tribal, family, and political ties instead of qualifications and ability, a practice that has undermined the effectiveness of the public service and compromised service delivery. Sankwasa emphasized that this approach has damaged public service and led to decreased service delivery to citizens.

Sankwasa urged leaders to move beyond rhetoric and focus on practical solutions, stressing the need to invest not only in infrastructure but also in institutional integrity and maintenance. He called for leadership based on solutions, transparency, participation, and equity, encouraging a renewal of the social contract between the people and their government.

Speaking at the same event, Oshana regional governor Hofni Iipinge explained that the induction workshop is designed to equip councillors with the knowledge, skills, and legal understanding needed to perform their duties with integrity and accountability. The workshop aims to familiarize councillors with governance principles, council responsibilities, and community expectations.

The training is set to conclude on Friday.