OTJIWARONGO, 12 JUN – Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Peya Mushelenga on Monday addressed leaders of the Otjozondjupa Region as part of his familiarisation visits to all 14 regions.
At the meeting held in Otjiwarongo, Mushelenga said he is conducting familiarisation visits to the regions following his appointment as Minister of Urban and Rural Development in February.
He has so far visited the Otjozondjupa, Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwena, Zambezi, Erongo and Khomas regions and plans to visit Hardap next.
The minister had asked each of the five local authorities – Okahandja, Okakarara, Otjiwarongo, Otavi, Grootfontein – and the Otjozondjupa Regional Council to inform him of successful projects and challenges they face.
The chief executive officers amongst others spoke of land servicing programmes, housing delivery and pending capital projects.
Mushelenga in his speech emphasised the importance of coordination between local authorities, the regional council and office of the governor.
He said it is difficult for his ministry alone to provide adequate resources for proper development to a vast region like Otjozondjupa.
“You must be united. You may not like each other due to your political differences, but because you have to deliver services and take the region to greater heights, you have to coordinate,” he said.
Mushelenga also told the councillors to prioritise delivery of quality and affordable houses not exceeding N$500 000 and ordered them to see to it that construction companies working under public private partnership (PPP) build houses or service land in a manner that benefits both the contractor and general public.
He said he will name and shame companies that benefit from PPPs and sell serviced land or houses they have built at exorbitant prices.
Mushelenga lastly called on the local authorities to see to it that the electorate is kept informed of development activities.
NAMPA
