Put governance first, Sankwasa urges local leaders

ONDANGWA

Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa reminded councillors on Monday that a council is not a political party but a government institution and must be treated accordingly.

Opening a week-long induction training, the minister warned leaders from Oshana, Oshikoto and Ohangwena against bringing party politics into council work.

“You come here through a magistrate having sworn you in, not because you are elected. You only become a councillor after subscribing to the laws of the country, not your political party," Sankwasa told attendees.

"Inside the council you perform your duties as a councillor, not as a representative of your political party. The chairperson of the regional council, the mayor, has a full duty to throw you out the moment you entertain politics in the council,” he said to a loud hand of applause. 

Sankwasa said prioritising politics over governance has harmed the country and called on councillors to separate the two.

"Separate your politics from governance,” he warned.

Personal enrichment above performance

He also criticised widespread corruption, nepotism and incompetence within regional and local authorities, accusing some councils of turning into centres for personal gain.

The minister said audit reports showed that funds intended for development were often diverted to travel and allowances, while procurement processes favoured foreign-owned companies over Namibian businesses.

Highlighting a “Namibia First” approach, Sankwasa called on councils to fully enforce the Public Procurement Act, prioritising job creation, local manufacturing, small and medium enterprises, women and youth and affirmative action. He warned procurement committees against rubber-stamping joint ventures that excluded local partners once contracts were awarded.

“Empower your own people. Believe in them. We don’t even ask which companies are for the youth and for women when the law is clear,” he said.

Be proactive

On housing and rural development, the minister reminded councillors that both regional and local authorities are legally empowered to plan, finance and implement housing, water and infrastructure projects and should not rely solely on central government funds.

Water a human right

He also criticised aspects of NamWater’s rural water supply model, noting that many village taps had been closed due to unpaid bills, and called for water to be treated as a basic human right.

Sankwasa further warned that councillors and officials with outstanding municipal debts would not be spared, saying arrears could be recovered through salary or allowance deductions. He urged government ministries, state-owned enterprises and businesses to settle their municipal accounts to avoid disconnections.