Sankwasa to redirect Idle development funds - nbc

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has vowed to redirect funds from local authorities that are keeping funds for development with no plan to those that have.

Sankwasa was responding to PDM Leader McHenry Venaani, who questioned the N$220 million that was withdrawn from the City of Windhoek, which was to be directed towards development in rural areas and shanty towns.

"We have read in the electronic media that N$220 million was withdrawn from the city of Windhoek that was supposed to upgrade shanty towns. And I'm very worried about it. Is it true that we have allocated money? And this money was never disposed of or spent on upgrading and people leaving poverty, the money was retained," said PDM leader McHenry Venaani.

Sankwasa explains the money was to be redirected to local authorities to formulate plans that would contribute to the development of informal settlements, and the city had failed to do so.

"The City of Windhoek is not the only citizen that demands services in this country. There are other local authorities that are ready, and their plans take security services to the residents. Hence, I said, and I still buy my decision, we will withdraw money from Windhoek and give it to the local authorities that are ready to render services."

Venaani also questioned the ministry's plans with the vehicles that were given to traditional authorities that have reached their mechanical lifespan and maintenance plan.

"Their vehicles are outdated and old, and they have no vehicles at their disposal, and they are supposed to put petrol in themselves. How are you addressing that matter as you are coming from the traditional council's issue? How are we addressing the question of transportation of traditional leaders?.

Sankwasa says that the vehicles were already handed over before his tenure, with no clarification on their condition.

He added that there were also no conditions as to who was responsible for the servicing and repairs for the vehicles.

"I'm coming to the conclusion that before the end of the year or financial year, we'll either have to give these vehicles as a donation. They become private vehicles, not GRN vehicles, but still an international authority. Because we must meet the legislative framework of managing transport in the public service."

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