Effective governance crucial for economic development: Itope

Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope has emphasised the importance of effective governance as a critical component for socio-economic development and social cohesion.

The governor highlighted the need for robust, accountable and transparent institutions; delivering quality services; protecting people’s freedoms and effectively combating corruption to build an inclusive society, for effective governance.

Itope was speaking in Swakopmund on Monday during the first of many town hall meetings scheduled for all seven constituencies in the region.

“The government’s commitment to effective governance is embedded within the Namibian Constitution, Vision 2030, the National Development Plans (NDPs), Harambee Prosperity Plan II and other policy documents. Government is conscious that more should be done and remains committed to implementing and unleashing the full potential of our national policies and development programmes to achieve the desired outcome of an effective governance architecture that translates into improved livelihoods for all Namibians,” he stressed.

Accordingly, the town hall meetings are being conducted with the main purpose of giving feedback to the community on Central Government, Regional and Local Government activities and to listen to communities on how offices, ministries and agencies can improve service delivery in the region.

The governor added that suggestion boxes will also be set up in all constituency offices in the region, where citizens can air their views on issues affecting them.

“I will open these suggestions on a monthly basis and share them with the relevant institutions for quick responses. Gone are the days that our communities have to wait for services and responses from Government institutions and relevant leadership. We need to respond swiftly and prudently,” he said.

The topics to be discussed at the town hall meetings include housing delivery, sanitation, health, infrastructure development, roads, health, schools, water and electricity.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency