PM decries billions lost to abandoned projects

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has lashed out at the proliferation of unfinished government capital projects across Namibia, describing them as an "incomprehensible waste" and warning that those responsible for this "economic sabotage" will face consequences.Addressing executive directors during their annual retreat in Swakopmund on Wednesday, Ngurare said he was alarmed by the number of incomplete projects he continues to encounter during official visits around the country.Some of the projects have remained abandoned for more than a decade."I get shocked when I visit some parts of the country and see unfinished and long-abandoned capital projects that have cost billions, some dating as far back as 2012," he said.Although many of the projects predate the tenure of the current crop of executive directors, Ngurare insisted they have a responsibility to confront what he termed a legacy of waste and poor implementation."Yes, this is way before your time as executive directors. However, we must care about this incomprehensible waste of public funds," he said.The prime minister listed roads, housing projects, classrooms, clinics, hospitals and boreholes among the developments left unfinished despite substantial public investment.These projects were intended to improve the lives of communities by expanding access to housing, education, healthcare and water but instead now stand as visible reminders of government failure.Ngurare described the abandoned developments as "unsightly blots" on government's service delivery efforts, saying they had dashed the hopes of citizens and undermined confidence in the public service."Such economic sabotage ruins their aspirations. The worst part is that there are no consequences for such dreadful inertia. This must end," he said.'Unpardonable waste'Calling for a decisive break from past practices, the prime minister challenged executive directors to take ownership of improving project execution and ensuring taxpayers receive value for money."It is you and I, here today, who must take that bold decision to end such unpardonable waste of public resources. Business unusual compels us to do just that," he said.Ngurare linked the issue to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's call for a public service centred on meeting citizens' basic needs through efficient service delivery.He urged executive directors to hold officials accountable for poor performance while recognising those who excel, arguing that public servants should not become obstacles to development."We should not be the source of tears our people shed every day in despair and hopelessness. We should not be the reasons there are no houses, water, medicines, roads, classrooms, clinics, hospitals, sanitation, electricity and other essential amenities".Ngurare further said government could no longer afford to grapple with the same implementation failures year after year, urging public servants to adopt a results-driven culture focused on execution rather than planning alone."We must change and improve our execution rate. We cannot bemoan the same problems year in, year out. We need results-oriented mindsets across the public service," he said.

PM decries billions lost to abandoned projects

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Namibian Sun 2026-07-03

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PM decries billions lost to abandoned projects

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Namibian Sun 2026-07-03

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