Nekundi blasts mismanagement of government flats
Minister blasts RCC bosses
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi yesterday delivered a scathing warning to government officials over the mismanagement of government flats, describing filthy, run-down, and illegally occupied units as a “betrayal of public trust” that mirrors wider inefficiencies across the public service.
Addressing senior ministry officials and chief executive officers of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) under his ministry, Nekundi stressed that the maintenance and management of government flats fall squarely under government responsibility. He warned that failure to uphold standards reflects deeper accountability gaps within the public service.
The minister said tenancy agreements for government flats are routinely ignored, despite clearly outlining tenant and ministry responsibilities. Tenants are expected to repair broken items such as windows and manage day-to-day maintenance, while the ministry is responsible for normal wear and tear.
Nekundi highlighted widespread non-compliance, with flats left dilapidated and unsanitary, balconies converted into storage or sleeping areas, garages used as living quarters, and entire buildings rendered unsafe.
“We know the agreements exist. We know the obligations. Yet enforcement is weak. Officials must act, or the law must act,” he said.
He also criticised the weak enforcement of higher fines for illegal tenants, which range between N$6 000 and N$9 000 per month, allowing some residents to continue flouting the rules. “People are happy to pay N$1 000 and stay illegal. That cannot be correct,” he added.
Privilege versus public suffering
Using government flats as a mirror, Nekundi contrasted the comfort enjoyed by officials with the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
“We cannot allow our people to suffer while we are enjoying air-conditioned offices, driving beautiful cars and living in secure houses,” he said. “Those living in informal settlements want the dignity we enjoy. That is why we are entrusted with these positions.”
He added that he would resign if he believed he was not acting in the public interest, challenging officials to act with the same urgency.
Procurement and maintenance failures
Nekundi linked the neglect of government flats to broader inefficiencies in government systems. He criticised delays in procurement and maintenance, warning that replacing simple items such as doors, tyres, or windscreen wipers can take months, putting state property and public safety at risk.
“Negligence in maintenance exposes the state to legal risks. We cannot fix doors with bricks and stones and call it maintenance,” he said.
He demanded that the Government Garage maintain minimum stock levels of essential vehicle parts and materials and that maintenance divisions operate efficiently. “We cannot allow bureaucratic delays to compromise service delivery,” he said.
Accountability for SOEs
The minister singled out the Roads Contractor Company (RCC), noting persistent underperformance despite receiving multiple tenders.
“You are the only company in the country with 20 tenders, yet you cannot sustain yourselves, while private companies thrive on far fewer,” he said. “Something somewhere is not right. Bailouts and excuses will no longer shield underperformance. Either the system is wrong or the people are failing. We must fix both.”
He warned SOE managers that inefficiencies will no longer be tolerated and emphasised that accountability extends to all operations affecting public service delivery.
Addressing senior ministry officials and chief executive officers of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) under his ministry, Nekundi stressed that the maintenance and management of government flats fall squarely under government responsibility. He warned that failure to uphold standards reflects deeper accountability gaps within the public service.
The minister said tenancy agreements for government flats are routinely ignored, despite clearly outlining tenant and ministry responsibilities. Tenants are expected to repair broken items such as windows and manage day-to-day maintenance, while the ministry is responsible for normal wear and tear.
Nekundi highlighted widespread non-compliance, with flats left dilapidated and unsanitary, balconies converted into storage or sleeping areas, garages used as living quarters, and entire buildings rendered unsafe.
“We know the agreements exist. We know the obligations. Yet enforcement is weak. Officials must act, or the law must act,” he said.
He also criticised the weak enforcement of higher fines for illegal tenants, which range between N$6 000 and N$9 000 per month, allowing some residents to continue flouting the rules. “People are happy to pay N$1 000 and stay illegal. That cannot be correct,” he added.
Privilege versus public suffering
Using government flats as a mirror, Nekundi contrasted the comfort enjoyed by officials with the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
“We cannot allow our people to suffer while we are enjoying air-conditioned offices, driving beautiful cars and living in secure houses,” he said. “Those living in informal settlements want the dignity we enjoy. That is why we are entrusted with these positions.”
He added that he would resign if he believed he was not acting in the public interest, challenging officials to act with the same urgency.
Procurement and maintenance failures
Nekundi linked the neglect of government flats to broader inefficiencies in government systems. He criticised delays in procurement and maintenance, warning that replacing simple items such as doors, tyres, or windscreen wipers can take months, putting state property and public safety at risk.
“Negligence in maintenance exposes the state to legal risks. We cannot fix doors with bricks and stones and call it maintenance,” he said.
He demanded that the Government Garage maintain minimum stock levels of essential vehicle parts and materials and that maintenance divisions operate efficiently. “We cannot allow bureaucratic delays to compromise service delivery,” he said.
Accountability for SOEs
The minister singled out the Roads Contractor Company (RCC), noting persistent underperformance despite receiving multiple tenders.
“You are the only company in the country with 20 tenders, yet you cannot sustain yourselves, while private companies thrive on far fewer,” he said. “Something somewhere is not right. Bailouts and excuses will no longer shield underperformance. Either the system is wrong or the people are failing. We must fix both.”
He warned SOE managers that inefficiencies will no longer be tolerated and emphasised that accountability extends to all operations affecting public service delivery.
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