Hon Muha opens joint NC conference with Regional Councils
The Chairperson of the National Council Hon Lukas Muha on Wednesday officially opened the joint National Council and Regional Councils conference in Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region.
This important event will run until Friday, August 30, 2024.
Under the theme “Harnessing the Roles and Mandates of the National Council and Regional Councils for Greater Public Participation and Regional Development,” the gathering will focus on exploring how the National Council and Regional Councils can work together to enhance public engagement and regional growth.
In addition to sharing key political and administrative insights, the conference will review the development and current status of the Regional Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) and clarify the differences in membership and tenure between the National Council and Regional Councils, along with their implications.
In his address, the Chairperson said that the National Council and Regional Councils play a pivotal role in facilitating public participation by acting as bridges between the government and the people.
“We must continue to engage with our communities, listen to their concerns, and incorporate their ideas and suggestions into our legislative and developmental processes. Regional development is an essential component in our development trajectory,” said the Chairperson.
“To realise inclusive regional development, there should be policies that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Namibian people. Thus, the National Council’s power should live by its mandate of reviewing legislation and recommending legislations of regional concern as per Article 74,” he added.
He added that while the Regional Councils perform their mandate as per Article 108 by identifying opportunities, mobilizing resources, and implementing initiatives that will drive economic and social progress in the respective regions.
The Governor of the OShikoto Region Penda Ya Ndakolo in his opening remarks read on his behalf the Chief Regional Officer of Oshikoto Regional Council Samuel Shivute touched on the importance of open dialogue and collaboration, saying that it can transform regions into hubs of development, where every citizen feels empowered.
