N$5.5m delimitation report still not public a year after submission

Government spent more than N$5.5 million on the work of the Fifth Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission, but its report remains unavailable to the public more than a year after it was submitted.

Urban and rural development deputy minister Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele told parliament last week that N$5.5 million from an allocated N$5.8 million was spent on the commission's activities, including consultations, logistics and allowances.

The disclosure came in response to questions from Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Armas Amukoto, who sought clarity on the cost of the exercise and why the commission's report has not yet been released.

The commission, chaired by judge Petrus Unengu and appointed in April 2024, was tasked with assessing and recommending changes to regional and constituency boundaries and names. It formally submitted its final report on 21 January 2025 to former president Nangolo Mbumba.

Amukoto asked how government could justify keeping the report from public scrutiny after taxpayers had funded the exercise.

Comply with legal framework

In her response, Nawases-Taeyele rejected suggestions that the report was being withheld.

"It is not correct to assume that the report is being kept secret, as it will be made public at an appropriate time," she told parliament.

Amukoto also asked whether the delay in releasing the report was linked to the fact that the commission had been appointed by a former president and whether this reflected a lack of confidence in the commission's independence or credibility.

The deputy minister dismissed that suggestion, maintaining that the report was not being withheld and would be released in due course.

On concerns that any future boundary changes could affect voting rights, service delivery and political representation, Nawases-Taeyele assured lawmakers that all processes would comply with the country's legal framework.

"Should there be any boundary changes, I can assure you that there will be no negative impact on people's voting rights, service delivery and representation, as this will be done in accordance with all the applicable laws governing this country," she said.

She expressed confidence that any recommendations contained in the report would be in the best interests of Namibian citizens.

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