Councillors are people’s servants – Uutoni

Maria David

MINISTER of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni has reminded councillors not to forget the importance and value of the noble call to be a councillor as a servant of the people.

Uutoni made these remarks at an intervention training workshop for Gobabis and Walvis Bay local authorities’ councillors at Gross Barmen in Okahandja.

According to Uutoni, the councillors are involved in the provision of public services, which are referred to at their level as municipal services, and they attend to the needs of the people within their localities.

“As local authority councils, you are the link between the Central Government and your respective communities. Thus, the responsibilities entrusted to you as political leaders and management are of enormous magnitude, as the people of Namibia depend on your decisions and performance,” he said.

He added that as leaders, they have the duty and responsibility to ensure that services for their respective municipalities are delivered successfully and competently.

Further, Uutoni indicated that as the Ministry responsible for coordinating local authorities, they have the responsibility of initiating and implementing policies and programs that promote the welfare and enrich the lives of the Namibian people, especially those at the grassroots level.

He said that they are a partner in the provision of services.

“Our obligation is to give you the necessary support in terms of capacity building, which includes training, funding, and any other resources at our disposal, with the mandate of the Ministry to ensure that you exercise your duties within the framework of national policies, laws, and regulations,” he added.

Moreover, Uutoni said the ideal situation is that there will be cooperation, mutual trust, and understanding as they interact with one another in the performance of their respective responsibilities.

He then stressed that their communities expect them to deliver services with the public resources entrusted to their care. These public resources include infrastructure, funds, equipment, and the staff complement.

It is once again expected of them to deliver services and ensure that the needs of everyone in the community are catered for without discrimination based on political affiliation, tribe, religion, and so forth.