Ngurare tells Rundu to make every cent count

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged the Rundu Town Council to show results from the millions allocated to it for infrastructure and informal trading facilities.He said delays in getting projects up and running cost jobs and leave communities frustrated and disappointed.“At a time when government faces fiscal constraints, we must ensure that every public dollar is used efficiently and produces the greatest possible benefit,” he said.Ngurare was speaking at the official opening of the Rundu Annual Trade Fair in remarks delivered on his behalf by Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka.The fair is taking place from 23 to 31 October.The prime minister said council received N$75 million for infrastructure in 2025/26, and N$3.5 million has been set aside in the 2026/27 national development budget for trading platforms for informal traders.“Our priority must now be to ensure that these resources result in completed projects, better municipal services and increased economic opportunities for the people of Rundu,” Ngurare said.“Budget allocations must translate into functioning infrastructure, improved public services and opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of our citizens,” he added.Ngurare said unreliable municipal services, poor roads, a shortage of serviced land and slow municipal procedures must be addressed.“We must therefore strengthen accountability, improve planning and ensure that approved projects are implemented efficiently and effectively,” he said.He said Rundu should capitalise on its strengths in agriculture, timber, tourism, agro-processing and cross-border trade, given its proximity to neighbouring countries. Instead of selling raw materials, the town should process and manufacture locally, back existing businesses and create work for young people, he added.Ngurare also called on the private sector to contribute to municipal development through partnerships.Established companies should mentor new entrepreneurs, buy local goods and help small firms meet the standards needed to join bigger supply chains, he said.Rundu Town Council chief executive officer Olavi Nathanael said the fair began in 1997 as the Kavango Trade Fair and was revived in 2016. Exhibitors grew from 104 in 2022 to 164 in 2025, and more than 200 are taking part this year.

Ngurare tells Rundu to make every cent count

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-28

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Ngurare tells Rundu to make every cent count

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-28

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