MEMBERS OF THE THIRD NATIONAL COUNCIL
Political office bearers
Kapere, A (Mr.) Chairman [SWAPO]
Mensah-Williams, M. (Ms.) Vice-Chairperson [SWAPO]
Hakaye, J.H. (Mr.) Chief Whip [SWAPO]
Nicanor, H.N. (Ms) Dep. Chief Whip [SWAPO]
Karupu S. (Mr.) Ass. Chief Whip [SWAPO]
Kavetu, N.L (Ms) Chief Whip [DTA]
!Gobs, S.I. (Mr.) Chief Whip [UDF]
Name Party Region
________________________________________________________________________
Appollus, W.R. (Mr.) SWAPO Karas
Diergaardt, T.V. (Mr.) SWAPO Hardap
!Gobs, S.I. (Mr.) UDF Kunene
Hakaye, J.H. (Mr.) SWAPO Omusati
Kabula, D.M. (Ms) SWAPO Caprivi
Kapere, A.K. (Mr.) SWAPO Erongo
Karupu, S. (Mr.) SWAPO Kavango
Katoma, L.S. (Mr.) SWAPO Omusati
Kankoshi, H.T. (Mr.) SWAPO Oshikoto
Kavetu, N.L. (Ms) DTA Kunene
Kavetuna, F. (Mr.) SWAPO Otjozondjupa
Martin, A. (Mr.) SWAPO Oshana
Mensah-Williams, M (Ms) SWAPO Khomas
Mogotsi, S.O. (Mr.) SWAPO Omaheke
Mwilima, L.Y. (Mr.) SWAPO Caprivi
Namwandi, B. (Mr.) SWAPO Hardap
Nakwafila, J.K. (Mr.) SWAPO Ohangwena
Ndemula, H (Mr.) SWAPO Erongo
Ndjambula, P. (Mr.) SWAPO Oshikoto
Nguvauva, K (Mr.) SWAPO Omaheke
Nhinda, R.K. (Ms) SWAPO Ohangwena
Nicanor, H.N. (Ms) SWAPO Karas
Shangheta, B.T. (Mr.) SWAPO Otjozondjupa
Sibiya, R.M. (Ms.) SWAPO Khomas
Siwombe, F.M. (Ms) SWAPO Kavango
Ya Kasita, H.S (Mr.) SWAPO Oshana
Official
Shimutwikeni, P.N. (Ms) Secretary to the National Council
1
CONTENTS
Second Session 2006
May 08 2006
First Reading
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]..…...……………………………………........................1
May 09 2006
Debate on Second Reading
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]……………………………..………………………..…..2
May 10 2006
Resumption of Debate on Second Reading
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]…………………………………………………............10
May 11 2006
Debate on Second Reading
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]………………………………………………………....22
Second Reading
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006…………………………………………………………..27
May 15 2006
Debate on Committee Stage
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]………………………………………………………….28
May 16 2006
Debate on Committee Stage
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]………………………………………………………….36
May 17 2006
Debate on Committee Stage
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006…………………………………………………………..67
May 18 2006
Debate on Committee Stage
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]…………………………………………………….…..114
2
Second Reading
Reports Motivation Debate – Report of the National Council
Standing Committee of Privileges……………………………………………………138
May 22 2006
First Reading
Debate on Committee Stage – Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]……………………...141
May 23 2006
Estates and Succession Amendment Bill [B.18 – 2005]………………………………...62
Children’s Status Bill [B.13 – 2005]…………………………………………………….64
3
COUNCIL CHAMBER The Secretary shall now read the Bill for
the first time.
WINDHOEK FIRST READING:
08 MAY 2006 SECRETARY:
The Council met pursuant to Bill number: 1. Appropriation Bill
adjournment. [B.2 – 2006].
Chairman took the Chair.
Prayers and Affirmation. CHAIRMAN: Honourable members,
that was the order of the day. Is there
CHAIRMAN: The Council is called to any other business? There being no any
order. Honourable members, welcome to other business I call upon the Deputy
the capital and to the chamber. For those Whip to adjourn the House. Just a
of you who were on the wrong side of moment, I have to remind you that the
the edge take note that it is starting to get training is in G.4 at 10:00 and you
cold so that you use more blankets and should not forget to take your budget
avoid the cold. Honourable members we documents with you. I am sorry to break
should also remember that we lost a you Honourable Deputy Whip. The floor
hero, a freedom fighter, a member of the is now yours.
Constituent Assembly (first speaker of
the National Assembly), somebody who MS NICANOR: Thank you very much
really contributed to the creation of the Honourable Chairman, Honourable
multi-party system in Namibia, the members of this august House for the
parliamentary democracy in the country. opportunity granted to me to adjourn this
I would like to request you to observe a meeting. But before I do so I would also
minute of silence. like to take this opportunity to equally
welcome our Chairman to the second
Thank you. Are there any petitions? Any session of the business of the National
reports of Select Committees? Any Council and thereby also welcome all
reports and papers? Any notices of other members. I hope that we will with
motions? I have an announcement to renewed vigour and dedication take up
make. I have received the following the business of our chambers this time
message from the Speaker of the around, having in mind the very
National Assembly. The National important discussions of the National
Assembly has passed and referred the budget through the Appropriation Bill. I
following Bill to the National Council: know would like to adjourn this House
until tomorrow morning at 09:30.
1. Appropriation Bill [B.2 –
2006]. CHAIRMAN: Is there any
secondmesnt? Agreed to. The House
In terms of Article 75(1) of the stands adjourned until tomorrow at
Namibian Constitution the Bills are 09:30.
referred to the National Council to act
thereupon in terms of the said Article. COUNCIL ADJOURNED
4
education, construction of clinics, all
infrastructure, electricity, water, food,
COUNCIL CHAMBER just to mention a few.
WINDHOEK
Having mentioned those examples
09 MAY 2006 Comrade Chairman, much has been done
and much more need to be done. The
The Council met pursuant to amount appropriated for this financial
adjournment. year 2006/07, to my humble opinion, is
The Chairman took the Chair. not enough to cater for the social
Prayers and Affirmation. programmes hence the need of popular
participation by way of contribution by
CHAIRMAN: The House is called to other stakeholders. It means it may not
order. Good morning Honourable be enough and it may be enough only if
members. Are there any petitions? Any others contribute to. An example was
reports of Select Committees? Any demonstrated recently by business
reports and papers? Any notices of people who decided to give some money
motions? The Secretary will read the to the Ministry of Education for the
order of the day. purpose of education. This to my
opinion is a popular participation and an
FIRST ORDER READ: excellent example.
SECRETARY: Debate on Second Secondly, the voluntary work for the
Reading – Appropriation Bill [B.2 – construction of the railway from Tsumeb
2006]. to Ondangwa is another example of a
popular participation. (That is the
CHAIRMAN: Any discussion? terminology I am using). It is now
Honourable Ya Kasita, you may take the complete as I am talking. Very soon, the
floor. same will be extended to Oshikango and
Oshakati. So, voluntary work, one may
MR. YA KASITA: Thank you Comrade think that it is not a popular participation
Chairman, Honourable members of this according to my terminology but it is
august House for the opportunity to very important because the Government
enable myself to contribute to this very is supposed to use a lot of money in
important piece of legislation. order to have this off the ground. To
have a lot of money means paying
Comrade Chairman, Honourable people who are involved in the
members, every financial year construction of the railway. But since the
Parliament does fulfil its constitutional country’s people realize the need to
obligation by appropriating money to contribute in their way, it was enough,
meet the requirements of the State and contributes to the would-be figures
during its financial year. The general of a given budget. In fact that is a good
public look at the Government as a example. As I said the amount is not
whole in expectation that all their social enough, I think people out there need
problems will be solved. I have listed also to emulate the example of those
few of the social problems; employment, people I have just mentioned to give
5
money to the Ministry of Education in in the region. But we feel that when
order to develop our country further. money is allocated for a certain project
Notwithstanding Comrade Chairman, I at least that project should be made to
must say here that the last six previous last longer and not just to repeat it
budgets as an example of one item only, perhaps year after year. As I said those
a clinic was supposed be constructed at roads definitely have to be reconstructed
Elholo. Elholo is the name of a village in especially the places I said were
Okaku Constituency in Oshana region. destroyed by water. I also say that plans
The lack of funds continues to hamper were perhaps not good because in some
the construction of the said clinic. I hope places you have to see where the road is
that the line Ministry will put the because it is under water. As an
construction of such a clinic on its list indication they are supposed to put
for 2006/07 financial year. We at the bridges at those places.
Ministry of Mines and Energy are
determined to prioritise rural Comrade Chairman, Honourable
electrification backlog. When I say rural members, I chose to make my
electrification backlog you are all aware contribution short with two things in
that in some of your constituencies you mind. Firstly, the budget debate set for
have lights set up but there is energy and this session, we are told we have to end
in some places those places were on the 24th which is next week. The
supposed to be electrified since 2000. second reason, I still hold the view that
Recently we have decided that we have the two Houses of Parliament consider
to finish those backlogs with the money the budget debate jointly. If there is
allocated to us. I hope much will be anything to be amended here, these are
done. the Standing Rules and Orders of both
Houses and the Constitution of course.
If that is the case with regards to clinics Why I am saying this is because our
or rural electrification, I have also rules do not provide for this one but it is
mentioned things like road ourselves who make those rules. That is
constructions. In Oshana for example we what the Constitution says. We are to
happen to be lucky in previous budgets debate money Bills be it taxation, levy or
that some gravel roads had been the budget, only within 30 days and we
constructed. Some are good and I can cannot amend any money Bill, unlike
say some are bad. For example if you other Bills. Specifically to this one, we
travel from Ondangwa to Eheke, you are only to give our views. Probably it
find that this road is bad with this rainy may serve a purpose if we could debate
season, most places are destroyed. The these things in the presence of those who
impression one gets is that first the are administering money to be used in
materials used was not good; maybe they our respective regions and
were of poor quality. If the materials constituencies. That is my own opinion,
were of good quality then the level of the we can still digest that one, but I really
road itself was poorly planned. The same would like to see that come our way one
goes if you are coming from Oshakati to day.
Ompundja. We appreciate the efforts of
the Government vested upon us to have
a rural village connected to major towns
6
Having said that Comrade Chairman, I am further happy with N$1.3 billion
thank you very much and I support the allocated to Orphans and Vulnerable
budget. Children (OVC) of which N$338 million
have been allocated in 2006/07
CHAIRMAN: Thank you Honourable respectively. To this end I would like to
Ya Kasita. Next to take the floor will be thank the Government for its concerted
Honourable Ndjambula. efforts to register orphans and other
vulnerable children particularly those
MR. NDJAMBULA: Thank you with one parent who is still alive.
Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members of the House of review. I rise Comrade Chairman, Honourable
to welcome the Appropriation Bill which members, there are still thousands and
is a very important piece of legislation thousands of orphans and other
and to air some of my concerns. Let me vulnerable children who are not
first and foremost applaud the Minister registered and those without any parents.
of Finance and her Cabinet colleagues I am told that the reason why many of
for a job well-done and for having them have not been registered is because
produced the best of the best budget of of a lack of social workers. For instance
N$15.3 billion. This budget is centered in our Region of Oshikoto, there is one
around key areas of developmental social worker who is based in Tsumeb
nature such as poverty reduction, job which is 240 Km times 2. I am therefore
creation, education and health sector as calling on the Government in order to
well as infrastructure development such initiate a mobile team of social workers
as roads. To this end one would want to who should go from Region to Region
echo the sentiments expressed by the and from Constituency to Constituency
Minister and some local economists that in order to register orphans if we have to
the said budget is somehow pro-poor and do justice to all our OVCs in the
pro-growth and is in one or another way country.
aiming at ensuring development of the
disadvantaged rural community which is Apart from that, I am happy with 23 per
stopping the agenda of our President. cent allocated to education. I hope the
just added round table conference on
I am happy with the increment made education sector has also produced good
with the old aged Pensioners’ Scheme results which will enable the sector to
which had been increased from N$300 to address the issues of no class rooms,
N$370 per month which means N$395 shortage of teachers at the beginning of
million have been allocated over a each year, but this is only possible if
period of the next three years. there is a well thought and well
coordinated planning system in place.
Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members, this increment looks little Comrade Chairman, Honourable
terms of money but has a big impact and members, I am further happy to note that
will go a long way in improving the allocation has been made for the
well-being of our old-aged who have construction of a new Senior Secondary
become the fathers and mothers of School at Omuntele Constituency in
orphans and other vulnerable children. I Oshikoto Region which has been
7
gathering dust since 2002. I therefore the responsibilities such as construction
hope that there will be no further delays of clinics because our community
in the implantation of this project. members are still travelling long
Having said that Comrade Chairman, distances to the nearest health facilities.
Honourable members, I agree with the For instance in Oshikoto Region we are
Right Honourable Prime Minister that having people travelling 200Km to
this year’s budget is faced with many 300Km especially in Engodi and
challenges such as poverty, Okankolo Constituency.
unemployment, HIV/AIDS and flood
which we have experienced at Mariental Secondly, providing of anti-retroviral
and in some parts of the Northern medicine for HIV/AIDS sufferers as
Regions such as Oshikoto, Ohangwena well as mother-to-children programme
and Omusati. In Oshikoto Region for therefore in future should seriously be
example we experienced flood at considered. Another concern is, 7 per
Omuntele Constituency in Olukonda cent which has been allocated to Safety
Constituency respectively. To this end, and Security, this is unfair and is not
mahangu fields were totally destroyed enough looking at the responsibilities of
which requires Government intervention maintaining law and order in the
in terms of food supply. Not only that, country, but not only that however when
traditional homesteads were either our Committee was going around the
totally destroyed or collapsed. I am regions visiting police stations and
therefore calling on the Government to police cells. We had experience most of
look into the possibility of introducing the police vehicles that are either broken
Build-Together Project in rural areas. I or standing due to a lack of spear parts.
know it is difficult because rural areas Another issue is overcrowded police
are not proclaimed as well as Clay cells and dilapidated cells and on top of
House Project which is being tested in that office accommodation is too small
Otjiwarongo. We are facing a situation or dilapidated. Therefore serious
whereby our community members have consideration should also be given to
no accommodation to sleep on and no this sector in future.
material to construct their traditional
houses. In conclusion, I cannot clearly see the
strategy to fight unemployment which is
Comrade Chairman, Honourable very high in the country and I’m not
members, despite the good rains and too saying that Government should be the
much water we had received this year employment provider, but what I am
water was wasted and left to be saying is that there must be a well
evaporated into the air. I am therefore thought strategy as to how
calling on the Government to seriously unemployment is going to be reduced
pay attention to earth dam construction because development budget of N$5
and by so doing to reduce poverty billion which is targeting unemployment
through Aqua-culture Fish Production. in one way or another and can only
benefit few regions for instance in
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Oshikoto region. Over the next three
members, my concern is over 10 per cent years only one road is going to be
allocated to the Health Sector looking at constructed despite the number of lists
8
submitted by the Council. Can some one by-step. The budget has got the blessing
explain and give us a peace of mind of Oshikoto region the region of copper,
because during this year’s flood some of mahangu and cattle farming.
the people in Omuntele and Olukonda Comrade Chairman, Honourable
Constituency were not travelling due to members, in her speech when tabling the
water and I thought they are going to be budget in the National Assembly the
considered. Honourable Minister of Finance stated
and I quote: “This budget places
I thank you and I support the emphasis on the economic growth which
Appropriation Bill. is pro-poor, high priorities even to the
development of the rural areas where
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much most of the poor resides. Growth is
Honourable Ndjambula. Honourable promoted through improved resource
Kankoshi you may take the floor. allocation for the development of
infrastructure such as roads and
MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very railways, schools, health facilities, water
much Comrade Chairman, Honourable and electricity”. So this is a good move
members. First and foremost I would to the right direction. Line Ministries are
like to thank the Honourable Minister of now being challenged to take the lead in
Finance Comrade Saara Kuugongelwa- developing the poor rural areas. We have
Amadhila, Honourable Deputy Minister people in the remote areas that have to
of Finance (Comrade Tjekero Tweya) travel long distances as Comrade
and all the officials in the Ministry of Ndjambula has said on foot or on
Finance for a well articulated budget donkey carts in order to reach clinics and
with pro-growth and pro-poor approach other development facilities. In some
which is nearly in line with the 2004 instances community members organize
Swapo Party Election Manifesto p. 63 themselves and build well constructed
which stated the following: “Despite clinics in order to bring services closer
enormous pressure to remove social to them like in Okankolo Constituency.
deficit in our society the Swapo Party We have the following clinic constructed
Government has managed the economy by the community like Egologolo clinic,
most prudently. As a result and in Ondunda clinic, Okashanakiitembu and
contrast with most African countries Eengodi. But still no progress is made.
Namibia have very low debts In my constituency Onyaanya, people
consequently unlike many other have started to build a well established
developing countries. We have not been clinic at Ontunda. Even if the line
subjected to any conditionality by any Ministry was informed and the right
international financial institution. The channels of communication were
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and followed the building is still lying idle
World Bank do not tell us what to do”. I with no tangible progress. I therefore
am always proud to refer the electorates advice the Ministry to take steps before
to the manifesto and by quoting from the the building becomes a white elephant.
Swapo Party Manifesto. I am informing
them that the Swapo Party Government Comrade Chairman, Honourable
is implementing, fulfilling and members, when it comes to rural
delivering the services accordingly step- electrification as our Deputy Minister of
9
Mines and Energy said, there are still construction of roads in the rural areas
places and settlement and localities in most of our rural people live in sandy
our constituencies which were wired and bushy areas. The only means of
some as from 2002 but up to now they transport to reach there is the 4 X 4
are not yet connected to the main grid. wheel driven vehicles whereby one has
Community members in some to spend 20 to 30 years saving his or her
constituencies started blaming Regional mere salary in order to afford a second
councillors that they are the ones doing hand vehicle.
nothing in order for their settlements or
localities to be connected. Some even The line Ministry in consultation with
went as far as writing letters to the the Regional Council should start
Ministry and the media or aired their implementing projects submitted to road
views in the phone-in programmes. authorities. Some of these projects were
Therefore, I would like to use this submitted five to ten years back but no
opportunity to appeal to the line Ministry progress is either given. I think where
to include these places, settlements and there is regular consultation and
localities in this financial year as names feedback the correct information should
of those localities have been already reach everybody on time.
submitted to the Ministry. It doesn’t
serve any purpose to keep on wiring Comrade Chairman, Honourable
localities without energizing them. members, when it comes to education,
the Swapo Party 2004 Election
When it comes to water, water is also Manifesto p.29 states and I quote: “The
one of the most important basic needs Swapo Party is fully aware that
and the saying goes “water is life”, but industrialization and economic
we have experienced a lot of problems development cannot be achieved in the
and complaints from the community and absence of knowledge and skills.
from the community water point Therefore in the knowledge based
Committees. Although the water point economy of today’s world the future of
Committees are authorized by the any country that seeks to achieve
Ministry to correct hundreds of economic development and social
thousands of dollars from the progress depending on people who are
community for water consumption they educated, informed and skilled”. In order
are not given any incentives for the very to avoid the ‘bottle-neck’ at the Grade
simple reason that they are not employed 11 as we have experienced this year,
by the Ministry. These community more senior secondary schools should be
members know that when the officials build mostly in the densely populated
from the Ministry are travelling either to areas. I know there are many proposals
contact community workshops they of senior secondary schools submitted
claim subsistence and travelling and proposed by school boards and
allowances. Therefore the line Ministry community members. For example in
should also consider this water point Oshikoto region we have the secondary
Committees. school which Comrade Ndjambula
mentioned, the Omuntele Senior
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Secondary School, the Ontunda-etanga
members, when it comes to the Senior Secondary School and the
10
Ontananga Senior Secondary School. When tabling the budget the Honourable
These proposed senior secondary Minister of Finance Comrade Sarah
schools are in the most populated Kuugongelwa stated and I quote: “An
constituencies in the region whereby allocation is made to the registration of
there are so many combined schools orphans and vulnerable children, this
offering up to Grade 10 classes. The amount will enable the Government to
2001 population and housing census properly identify OVCs and ensure the
indicated that Ontunda which is in assistance is extended to all the needy
Onyaanya constituency the constitution children”. Therefore, I am humbly
with the population of 20 536, Omuntele requesting the line Ministry to look into
us a constituency with 15 160 population this regional concern and treat it as a
and Ontananga is in Olukonda matter of urgency.
constituency with the population of 9
226. The current hostel built by the Comrade Chairman, Honourable
community at Onkumbula combined members, as a responsible representative
school in Okankolo constituency a of our people in this august House I will
constituency with the population of up to fail in my duty if I did not thank the
13 000 need to be upgraded and Swapo Party Government under the
registered as Government property to dynamic leadership of His Excellency
accommodate Grade 11 and 12 learners. Comrade Hifikepunye Pohamba
President of the Republic of Namibia
In fact not only the population of these and the Vice President of Swapo Party
Constituencies in the surroundings will for the development and progress made
benefit but all Namibian children will be so far not only in Oshikoto region but in
the beneficiaries of these proposed the country as a whole. For example in
Senior Secondary Schools. Oshikoto region the Oshivelo-Okankolo
water pipeline project has been
Comrade Chairman, Honourable completed. Phase 1 of the Northern
members, according to the 2001 Railway Extension has been completed
population and housing census, the passing through the remote rural areas of
population of Oshikoto stand at 161 000 Onyaanya, Onina and Oniipa
with a growth rate of 2.2 and the constituency respectively. Whereby on 5
mortality rate of 58 per cent female and May 2006 we witnessed the arrival of
61 per cent male. This is an indication Omuguluvwombashe Star in Onyaanya
that there is a high percentage of orphans constituency railway substation which is
and other vulnerable children. We are named after the 7th King of Ondonga
experiencing problems and having a King Shikongo shaKalulu because it is
regional concern which has been during his rule that many modern things
registered by my colleague Comrade including Christianity reached the
Ndjambula that we have a lot of children Northern part of Namibia. Based
who have not been registered yet due to Transceiver stations for mobile
the fact that we have got only one social telecommunications has been elected in
worker who is based in Tsumeb the some areas and we are hoping that they
remote end of the region. will become operational very soon so
that most of our people in the remote
rural areas have an access to
11
communication. Anti-retroviral House? Honourable Nicanor you have
medicines for HIV/Aids patients are now the floor.
available at Tsumeb and Onandjokwe
hospitals. Credits should be given where MS NICANOR: Thank you Comrade
it due. Chairman, Honourable members of this
House, I stand to adjourn the House until
Therefore on behalf of the Oshikoto tomorrow at 09:30.
region I am thanking the Government for
some of those tangible achievements COUNCIL ADJOURNED
made so far. Finally Comrade Chairman,
as part of decentralization and bringing
the Government services closer to the
people the Oshikoto Regional Council is
moving to the centre of the region at
Omuthiya, the new regional head
quarters but still a lot need to be done.
Various Ministries should also consider
and support Regional Councils and the
Ministry of Regional Local Government
and Housing by preparing their officials
to be ready and settled on
Omuthiyagwiipundi. Much will be dealt
with when it comes to the budget Vote
per Vote. Therefore I would like to rest
my case and ensure the residents that
with the Swapo Party Government their
future is secured and I thank you.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Honourable
Shangheta, you may now take the floor.
MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
much Comrade Chairman, with the
concurrence of the House, if there is no
one who would like to take part in this
debate I would like to postponed this
debate until tomorrow.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Is there any
secondment? Any objection? The debate
on this Bill is postponed until tomorrow.
Honourable members, that was the
business for today. Can I now ask the
Deputy Chief Whip to adjourn the
12
COUNCIL CHAMBER
WINDHOEK Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members, the same thanks goes to the
10 MAY 2006 Ministry of Finance, management team
and indeed to the Minister of Finance
The Council met pursuant to Comrade Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
adjournment. for the meaningful preparation and
The Chairman took the Chair. tabling of the National Budget in the
Prayers and Affirmation. National Assembly which is targeting
pro-growth and pro-poor. The SWAPO
CHAIRMAN: The august House is Party Government has proven itself
called to order. Good morning during the 16 years of independence but
Honourable members. Are there any it is capable and committed to lead the
petitions? Any reports of Select Namibian nation to a prosperous
Committees? Any reports and papers? economic growth and social
Any notices of motions? The Secretary development for all of our people
will read the first order of the day. irrespective of colour, race, etc. This was
manifested by many developmental and
FIRST ORDER READ: economical/social achievements in
different sectors of our society such as
SECRETARY: Resumption of Debate health construction of hospitals, health
on Second Reading – Appropriation centres, clinics were build or either
Bill [B.2 – 2006]. expanded and some of the projects are
still under construction. Education is one
CHAIRMAN: When this debate was of the priorities of our Government and
adjourned on Tuesday, 9 May 2006, the many Primary, Junior and Senior
question before the Council was a Schools including Tertiary Institutions
motion that the Bill be now read a were introduced during the 16 years of
second time. Honourable Shangheta independence.
adjourned the debate and he now has the
floor. Honourable Shangheta you may Comrade Chairman, Honourable
take the floor. members, although we have achieved a
lot in terms of economic growth and
MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very social development in a short period of
much Comrade Chairman, Honourable time, we are still having a long way to
members of this august House for the go. We have to rededicate and commit
opportunity given to me to contribute to ourselves to put more efforts on the
this very important Appropriation Bill. reconstruction of our beautiful country
(the land of the brave) and to improve
Firstly, let me use this opportunity to the living standard of our people. One of
thank and salute the Cabinet of the the issues that we need to implement as a
Republic of Namibia under the matter of urgency is such as
leadership of His Excellency Comrade decentralising the functions to the
Hifikepunye Pohamba, the President of regions. To me it would not be effective
the Republic of Namibia for the job well to decentralise only human resources,
done. but both human and financial resources
13
must go together to the regions in order Secondary School in order to
for the regions to cater for the regional accommodate Grade 11 and 12;
development needs. Constituency • Shortage of advisory teachers in
Development Committee should be the region hampered quality
given developmental funds in order to curriculum monitoring;
fund the Constituency’s small scale • The Regional Office experienced
Developmental Projects at Constituency budgetary constraints in it
level, because it doesn’t make sense to efforts, to address shortages in
have a Constituency Development schools and other education
Planning Committee and that particular institutions;
Committee has nothing to fund project • The Regional Office found it
with identified by at the Constituency very difficult to attract
level. Which means, it needs to fund a professional qualified teachers
project that is being identified by itself. for secondary schools in remote
Otherwise people do not want to see areas such as Gam and
how many projects were identified but Tsumkwe.
they want to see something happening at
the constituency level. Another burning issue is that in the areas
of teachers, nurses, soldiers, police etc.
Comrade Chairman, Honourable incentives need to be put in place so that
members, we also have problems and we can attract teachers and nurses who
constraints when it comes to the regional are mainly working in the remote areas.
activities in Otjozondjupa. Some of the
problems are as follow: Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members, I have something in mind to
• The delay of approval on recommend in the shortage of transport.
proposed Regional Education The budget should be increased to
Office structure hampered the enable the region to execute educational
execution of the set objectives programmes effectively and efficiently.
due to lack of personnel in key Due to the number of increasing learners
positions; yearly, construction of physical facilities
• The shortage of transport to such as classrooms should be built
execute educational programmes accordingly and in time. The proposed
is a great constraint and this Regional Educational structures should
curbed the efficient and effective be approved and be considered as a
delivery services in the region. matter of urgency in order to execute the
• Lack of adequate classrooms smooth running of Regional Educational
space resulted in overcrowding programmes. Incentives must be
classes which fostered afternoon introduced to attract professional
sessions. I am happy that the qualified teachers to teach and work in
Government constructed rural areas in the regions.
additional two classrooms to
Shalom Primary School in Otavi, We also have a burning issue of the
and some also need to be construction of a mortuary at Otavi
constructed at Khorab Junior Police Station. As you all know Otavi
main road from Otjiwarongo and from
14
Tsumeb to Otavi and to Grootfontein contributed to this very important Bill
and sometimes at Okahandja. It is where the Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]. The
road accidents are happening in most Bill is regarded as pro-poor, poor-growth
cases more especially end of the year, which I wholeheartedly support. But I
Christmas time. Many people are also have to make my contribution as
travelling from Windhoek to the North. addition to those who contributed
So, Otavi is a gateway either to the already. My humble contribution will be
north, east, west etc. As a result many centred on education, health,
accidents are happening in these roads employment, social welfare, roads and
that is why the police in Otavi are infrastructure.
finding it difficult because there is no
mortuary. I am therefore appealing to The Ministry of Education is presently
our Government to construct a mortuary doing a lot to keep quality education to
at the Otavi Police Station. communities all over our country.
Emphasis must be put on building more
We are also requesting the Ministry to schools and hostels to accommodate
construct a youth centre in Otavi children from remote areas, farming
constituency. We are currently communities, settlement and
depending on Grootfontein. The Youth resettlement areas. Sometimes children
Officer lives in Grootfontein and we find have to walk 5 to 10Km to the nearest
it difficult more especially when it schools. That is why I say schools must
comes to the youth and there is nobody be built near their places of living and
who is organizing the youth. Actually that the children from remote and
what we need here is a Youth Centre to farming areas must be accommodated in
be opened with a full-time Youth hostels.
Officer. You know that the youth in
nowadays find themselves in difficult While I am at schools and hostels I also
environment because of the HIV/Aids. have to request the Ministry of Works,
This is already a clear indication that in Transport and Communication to
each Constituency there should be renovate most of the schools because it
somebody at the youth office who will became an eye zone. Some of the
look after the youth daily, organize them schools were also painted when they
and tell them not to get involved in evil were built and up to today nothing has
activities. been done, no renovation was done. So it
is my humble request to the Ministry to
With the few remarks I support the Bill look at those facilities to be renovated so
and I thank you. that it can look like a school. Quality
education cannot be given in a school
CHAIRMAN: Thank you Honourable which is falling apart. If we talk of
Shangheta. Next is Honourable quality education it must be given in a
Kavetuna. quality infrastructure.
MR. KAVETUNA: Thank you very Most of the developmental activities
much Comrade Chairman, Honourable must go to settlement and rural areas to
members, I stood up to add my views to create jobs for most young people.
my colleagues who immensely Young people are flocking to towns and
15
cities in hope to get employment. If this The other thing is the upgrading of
does not happen they can become health facilities and buildings. Hospitals
frustrated and can sometimes turn into must be renovated and cleaned to
criminals, drug addicts, drunkards and capacity. Complains of dirt and
prostitutes. If development is cockroaches is the order of the day and
decentralized most of the people will not infrastructure needs total renovations.
move from where they are. Others who
will benefit are also evicted farmers who I therefore request the Ministry of Works
are dumped in villages and towns by to inspect these facilities regularly
their employers and even Government because those are health facilities and
pensioners are brought from must look like health facilities and not
Government farms to towns and villages like something which is only
when the retirement age is reached. They cockroaches intensive. Settlement clinics
are brought with all their belongings must be provided with enough staff to
including livestock which later becomes cater a 24 hour service. The increase of
a problem to the Municipality and social pension and grants is a welcome
Constituency Councillors because the move. But still my request this time goes
animals start eating the parks, gardens to the Ministry of Home Affairs and
and flowers at the houses and so on. So, Immigration to provide all people in
this is something which must be settlement areas like Kalkfeld with
addressed urgently. Namibian IDs because transport to
Otjiwarongo and back is very costly and
In my Constituency I have around 15 they cannot afford. In Kalkfeld we
farmers who are living with livestock in received good rains in this rainy season
Otjiwarongo who have nowhere to go. but still Kalkfeld does have a water
Some people are not Oshiwambo and problem which must be addressed as a
Otjiherero speakers and others who got matter of urgency because this is
places where they come from. Some of hampering the development of that
the people are coming from farms. Some settlement area. Without water we can
of them have been living on farms for a do nothing.
lifetime and their grandchildren started
working on farms and if they are evicted Last week Comrade Chairman,
they have no place to go. Those people Honourable members, I must thank the
must be looked at as a matter of urgency. Government for a job well done and I
hope this year every region and
The other is the gravel road that goes to Constituency will get a share from the
Waterberg which I requested to be tarred budget. I thank you.
because it is a tourist intensive road. If it
rains and the road become slippery and CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
the rivers are running then people cannot Honourable Kavetuna. Honourable
go to Waterberg. They cancel their Martin you may take the floor.
bookings and everything. So we loose MR. MARTIN: Thank you Comrade
out. It is only a 17Km road that must be Chairman, Honourable members of the
tarred up to Waterberg which is actually House. I would like to join the previous
a short distance. speakers for congratulating the
Honourable Minister of Finance
16
Comrade Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila where educational facilities are very
for having tabled this important Bill. poor?
Comrade Chairman, according to my In terms of resource allocation a child
observations or ideas this budget of year living in Khomas region and other few
2006/07 have two components namely regions continue to receive more than a
positive and negative. child living in Oshana region,
Positive: Ohangwena, Omusati or Oshikoto. How
– To increase e.g. social pension as does this budget try to deal with this
was increased, it is a good move. issue? How can we talk about equal
– To improve social living conditions opportunities when the field is not
for our men and women in uniform, equally levelled?
here I mean Namibian Defence
Force is a good move. Comrade Chairman, Honourable
– Continue to pay attention towards members of this august House, a Small
educational and health care of our and Medium Enterprises development
people; more funds were allocated to should get a priority in this budget
the Ministry of Education and allocation and administration of funds.
Health. The Ministry of Trade and Industry
– Allocation of resources towards the officials must ensure that funds allocated
green scheme. in serving this sector is a proper
– Allocation towards Kudu Gas to administration. We have noticed with a
ensure that the country achieves self- concern that during 2005 only few
sufficiency in power generation. This businesses could receive assistance from
is a good thing because it will ensure December in leadership programmes.
that more people will have electricity This is not because there is no money.
at rural areas through a rural Money is there, but it is just due to the
electrification program. continued delays by officials. It is
– Continue allocation of funds towards therefore important that the projected
a building together housing scheme Committee in the Ministry of Trade and
so as alleviation of problems of Industry are taken to task to ensure
housing. speedy processing of request. The
continued subsidy of loss-making State
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Owned Enterprises denies the
members of this august House, the government to allocate sufficient
budget has shown the following resources to the serving areas. It is very
weaknesses: important that the government should re-
invest its strategy to pump more funds
– Continued subsidy of loss-making into those ill-managed State entities.
enterprises such as Air Namibia and Managers must be taken to task for
NBC. example, in private companies when the
– Small allocation of resources business is not making profit the
towards breaking the gap between Manager is fired or demoted and a better
rich and poor. What does this budget Manager is appointed. This is to ensure
has for a child living in Uuvudhiya that the objectives of the shareholders
in Oshana region a typical rural area are met. It is therefore important for the
17
Government to ensure that it cannot be will realize his/her dream to become a
expected to allocate resources without doctor or engineer if his/her families do
getting value for its money in return. not have the means to send him/her to a
better and affordable institution. This
Comrade Chairman, Honourable institution made it difficult for a fact that
members, development budget allocated no one else in the country besides the
to the regions is too small and does not Government that gives bursaries can
enable the regional planning departments study medicine. The idea of creating a
to make proper planning for their development fund within the Social
regions. Development budget after Security Commission’s main focus was
allocation in this region must take the meant to support the students by giving
population of each region into bursaries and student loans. However, it
consideration. This budget should also takes too long for such an idea to be
prepare a plan by the region based on its realized. Within this fund the
regional needs. Resources allocated to unemployed community is also supposed
the regions should be seen to be fair and to benefit from the funding project. The
equitable. If Namibia has to develop its line Ministry should be taken to ensure
needs it has to embark on scientific that the Social Security Development
research and technological development. Fund came into being fully fledged
Government need to allocate resources because there is no hope that quite a
towards scientific resources and number of disadvantaged students will
technological resources. I call upon the benefit.
office of the Prime Minister to set up
science and technological funds so that Comrade Chairman, Honourable
our men and women with good ideas members, in the same vein, the
cannot be hated due to the lack of Management of the institution should be
money, but should draw a pool of pushed to finish the pension fund as
resources through these funds. I suggest there are many of our people in our area
that Prime Minister should ensure that in that retired in poverty as they are unable
the coming year for example N$10 to get some pension somewhere. There
million should kick start the process. I are Cuca shop workers, domestic
also urge the Prime Minister to request workers as well as cattle holders at cattle
an external funding purchase such as posts. Therefore, many resources should
from the millennium challenge account be allocated to poor institutions that are
fund or NBC or EU poverty reduction involved in technical trainings. This will
fund. This is the only way Namibia can allow our people to acquire technical
realize the potential. Government must skills that can enable them to self-
ensure that children coming from a poor employment.
family and wish to access institutions
should be given resources to do so. Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members, in my conclusion through
I have noted with concern that medical planning towards the accommodation of
course for instance a course can cost learners Grade 01, Grade 08 and Grade
N$60 000 a year and the Government 11 should be allocated more funds to
only allocated N$30 000. It is clearly not build schools so as to ensure the
possible that a child from a poor family availability of spaces. Each year we are
18
faced with learners that could not find and NBC itself should look into this
any accommodation at schools. The critically and alleviate this problem.
Ministry of Education gets a bigger cake
now from the budget. There are many The Namibian police needed more funds
learners that are falling away from the but due to the limitation of resources that
mainstream to the streets. The line we face could only be allocated this
Ministry should be taken to task to come much. So the police should utilize this
up with concrete measures to curb these limited allocation to improve transport
experiences which became a January issues, upgrade the police cells to be able
thing each year. Proper planning should to accommodate juvenile separately and
be in place. female inmates. It is very pleasing to
know that the creation of another
With these many concerns I thank you Secondary School in Anamulenge
very much. Constituency in Omusati region, the
renovation and upgrading of David
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much Sheehama and Etalaleko and the
Honourable Martin. Honourable Katoma construction of a kitchen and a hall at
you may take the floor. Naujoma Secondary Schools are catered
for in this budget. Other pleasing move
MR. KATOMA: Thank you very much is that the Ministry of Works, Transport
for the floor Honourable Chairman and and Communication has allocated some
Honourable members of this august funds to ensure the completion of
House. I would also congratulate the Outapi, Tsandi, Okahao road which is at
Minister of Finance for having prepared the stand still due to this budget. In the
quite a good budget for this financial same vein the Ministry needs to work
year. very hard to provide access road to rural
communities especially during the rainy
With the amount of five billion spending seasons, taking example of Etayi
targeted for infrastructure development Constituency in the Omusati region
be it railways, schools and clinic which has no access road during the
contraction in both rural and urban areas. rainy season. Aqua-culture which is
I am confident that this budget focus will focusing to alleviate food security and to
increase income and alleviate some of reduce poverty is also taken care of in
the barriers in our country’s this budget. I am also glad to note that
development efforts. the allocation to the Ministry of Health
will cater for quite a number of projects.
While appreciating the allocation of the The Oshakati hospital is being extended,
different votes, one would like to see this which is serving the whole Central North
Vote physically addressing specific areas of our country in terms of health. In the
that are of great concern to our same vein I would also like to appreciate
community. Areas such as the NBC the fact that the allocation has also made
Television network which is very poor in provision of funds to upgrade and
most of the rural areas. There is poor renovate Tsandi hospital which is facing
reception and reception failures time and dilapidation situation in terms of sanitary
again in some of the rural areas. With facilities. While appreciating this
this allocation the Ministry responsible allocation a lot still need to be done in
19
those areas. Our communities are still Omakange roads are this year in full
walking more than 70Km to reach health swing and also the upgrading of
facilities. Therefore, the Ministry of Khorixas State Hospital. This for me is
Health should address this issue by not enough for the great Kunene region
constructing clinics in the Omusati as the people are really in need for the
region to areas like Omakango, development of clinics, schools, roads in
Okathitu, Okasheshete to mention but a the remote areas, portable water, rural
few and others. electrification to mention but a few.
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Honourable Chairman, Honourable
members, our overcrowded police cells members, we are talking about
are aggravated by the insufficiency of decentralization but within Kunene
magistrates taking the example of region some Ministries like of
Opuwo, Oshakati, Luderitz and other. Education, Rural Water Supply,
With this allocation the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Health etc are
Justice should utilize these allocations to operating on limited budget. That is why
alleviate the problem of lack of I am questioning whether the Ministry of
magistrates. Although Wakashamene Finance during the budget process
border post has not been catered for in involved the regional Ministries,
this budget, one would still hope that the regional and local leaders so that they
next financial year we will do the can compile the budget together on well
beginning to this effect. informed information as these people are
dealing with the ruling grassroots on
Finally, I support the Appropriation Bill day-to-day basis and they know their
and I thank you. needs. Now it is time that we as elected
leaders must embarked upon the
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much scenario of bottom up approach. Let the
Honourable Katoma. I will now give the people say what they want to be done for
floor to Honourabl !Gobs. them that we do not just come in this
august House and deliberate on things
MR. !GOBS: Honourable Chairman, which have already been decided upon.
Honourable members of this august
House, it is again that time of the year Honourable Chairman, Honourable
that we have to deliberate on a very members, the other issue is about the
important piece of legislation which is three-year rolling development budget
the Appropriation Bill. Let me applaud which sets the targets to be achieved
the Minister of Finance and the within the given period but each year in
Management team who worked very a new financial year new figures are
hard to introduce the pro-growth, pro- given, and if the project is not completed
poor budget which will benefit this time then the funds must be returned to the
around the poorest of the poor mostly in Treasury (Ministry of Finance). I should
the rural areas. Let me also thank the rather propose that the embarked
efforts made within my region Kunene projects within the three years be
for the tarring of the Opuwo/Omakange completed and only act upon budgeted
road which has been completed and that amount due to inflation then we can call
the upgrading of the upcoming it three-year rolling development budget.
20
Otherwise, we must change it to three Comrade Chairman, one thing that every
year renewable development budget. month is not a good thing in my eyes if I
see how our old people are sitting in the
Lastly Honourable Chairman, sun waiting for that company to
Honourable members, when we are distribute the money. I think the
going to discuss the Appropriation Bill Ministry must urgently look into this
next week Vote by Vote, I will touch on matter. I saw on TV a few months ago
some concerns which we have within the President introduced a new card
our great Kunene region. Thus, I support called smart card. I think this will be the
the Appropriation Bill and I thank you. solution for us.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you Honourable The allocation that was made for the
!Gobs. Honourable Diergaardt you may development of the Kudu Gas field is
take the floor. particularly welcomed considering the
fact that we can no longer solely rely on
MR. DIERGAARDT: Thank you South Africa for electricity supply. The
Honourable Chairman, Honourable Kudu Gas field will ensure that Namibia
members. I rise to comment the is self-sufficient in terms of generation
Honourable Minister of Finance and I capacity. This project will further create
admire the elegant manner in which she one thousand five hundred (1500) jobs
presented the budget in the National during the construction phase of the gas
Assembly. She demonstrated the pipeline and the CCGD Plan as well
abilities of a distinguished State’s seventy (70) full-time jobs thereafter.
woman.
Honourable Chairman, Honourable
Comrade Chairman, what makes me members, if you go to the documents
happy is the fact that this budget reflects you will see that the development budget
the aims and objectives of the 2004 is up with 31 per cent. If you particularly
Swapo Party Election Manifesto. I have look at the development budget of the
always held a view that the prime Ministry of Regional, Local Government
responsibility of any democratic and and Housing and Rural Development,
accountable government is the you will see certain regions receive huge
welfare of its citizens. The Swapo Party amounts and some less amounts. I
Government has lived up to this wonder what was the criteria each year
principle. Thank you Comrade Minister during August/September the Ministry
with your team for an excellent job you ask through the Regional Councils to
are doing to address the welfare of the submit project proposals. In Hardap
citizens of Namibia. I am thankful for region we submitted N$22 million but
the increase in old-age pension we will only receive N$3 million and
announced by the Honourable Minister N$1.7 million will go to the
and even thought it may not address all Constituency Office. Last year in 2005
the needs of these vulnerable people in for example the Minister gave my
our society, it is indeed a step in the right Constituency N$900 000 to put the water
direction. We owe a great deal to the lines in certain suburb areas there. It was
elderly of this country. an ongoing project. This year they said
now you must wait. They are starting
21
with new projects in other as indicated by my colleague here in
constituencies. Now what the people are regard to good governance.
saying is that the Government is saying
we must get away with this bucket I vividly recall that the Founding Father
system. But what is the Ministry doing of the Namibian Nation and the Swapo
now? The water is there but no sewage Party President His Excellency Comrade
system so the people must go again to Dr. Sam Nujoma once stated that
the bush. This year I saw that they poverty in our country with a population
earmarked funds for the same projects number of only 1.8 million is indeed an
but for other constituencies. So, I don’t artificial figure. We can definitely do
know the Minister must come and something about it. The pro-poor, pro-
explain to us what is the criteria they growth budget for this financial year
use. 2006/07 is therefore in my view aimed
towards addressing some of the very
With these few words Comrade crucial challenges we are faced with in
Chairman, I support the Bill and I thank this country such as poverty,
you. unemployment, infrastructure
development, diseases such as
CHAIRMAN: Thank you Honourable HIV/Aids, food security, housing
Diergaardt. Honourable Nicanor you provision to mention but just a few. In
may take the floor. the Swapo Party Election Manifesto we
have committed ourselves to poverty
NICANOR: Thank you very much reduction and job creation through
Honourable Chairman, Honourable accelerated growth. The efforts by the
members of this august House. I also rise Finance Ministry for this year should
to add my voice to those of the therefore be viewed as a step in the right
Honourable members who have already direction aimed at addressing these
made their contributions to this very challenges of which I have just listed.
important piece of legislation currently
under review by this august House. I am For that simple reason I would like to
very much delighted to note that the join my colleagues and comrades in
Honourable Minister of Finance congratulating the Minister Comrade
Comrade Saara Kuugonkelwa-Amadhila Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, her
being the Minister responsible for Deputy Comrade Tjekero Tweya and
finances in our country, through the their esteem staff for a job well done. I
present budget now under review by the am also happy to note that this year’s
National Council and which she term as budget is trying to increase the level of
pro-poor, pro-growth once more has addressing the social problems of our
demonstrated the Swapo Party led people as it cater for example as it was
Government’s commitment of stated already the additional funds of a
improving the quality of life of all N$70.00 to the social pension of our
citizens of Namibia while continue to elderly citizens of this country. Although
grow our economy. I also find this it sounds small, in my own view it only
particular effort by the Finance Ministry implies that the Swapo Party led
as being in the latter and spirit of the Government is really committed towards
Swapo Party Election Manifesto of 2004 the welfare of our people despite the
22
limited resources we have at our Government continue to commit itself
disposal. I would also like to appreciate towards making education sector in our
the efforts by the Government through country a priority among all other
this budget that it recognises the priorities. I appreciate the Government’s
importance of registering our orphans efforts over the past 16 years in this
and other vulnerable children. It is a regard. The emphasis the budget put on
welcome move and I really support it funding ETSIP is a clear testimony of
wholeheartedly and I am fully in support what I am saying. However, I would like
of the Minister when she described this to see in a near future also our budget
year’s budget as pro-poor. However, I putting more emphasis to expand tertiary
would like to make a suggestion that education to all other parts of our
there should be an improvement on the country. In particular I would like to take
approach to bring such services more the example of expanding our
closer to our people and make it even Vocational Training Centres to other
more effective. By this I mean, before parts of our country. In the region where
the actual registration of our orphans and I am coming from “that is the great
vulnerable children take place, high level Karas region” there is a need for the
of involvement of all relevant establishment of such a Vocational
stakeholders and particularly the Training Centre as there is none
politicians should be considered so that currently. Mind you Karas region is one
workshops for instance are organized in of the regions that could be a bread
order to prepare ourselves for making basket of this country with all the
sure that all our children in this regard abundant natural resources that present
orphans and vulnerable children are themselves in that region. But then we
really registered. I am aware as this has need knowledgeable skilled Namibians
been mentioned by some my colleagues in order to be able to put to good use
already of the challenges that are facing these natural resources that are abundant
us such as the shortage of the social in that region.
workers in our country. I am also aware
of the efforts the Ministry of Gender The other area of concern is the
Equality and Child Welfare has allocation made to the Ministry of
embarked upon sometimes to assign Regional, Local Government and
voluntary workers to assist registering Housing and Rural Development. In my
the orphans and vulnerable children in view the allocated amount of N$447 476
the regions. However, I would like to see 000 is still very much little taking into
us as I said improving on the approach consideration the persistent housing
of registering these children and problem we have in this country
participatory approach by all of us as particularly in the rural areas. On the
role playing should be considered. That other hand the type of poor quality
is the request I put towards the line materials some of our people uses to
Ministry that will be dealing with the provide housing for themselves leads
registration of the orphans and much to be desired. Again, I want to
vulnerable children. make an example of the region I come
from. It is a proven fact that because of
Furthermore, this budget is also a clear those poor materials some of our people
testimony that Swapo Party led construct their houses with is unsafe for
23
them in the event when natural disasters MS NICANOR: Thank you Honourable
strike. The good example I can cite is Chairman, Honourable members, with
when heavy rains occur, this year in your concurrence I can make use of this
April heavy rains poured or stricken the opportunity to move that the House
area of Bersheba Constituency in our stands adjourned until tomorrow
region and in particular the Gudenwas morning 09:30 sharp.
village. A number of houses got blown
away and destructed, living many of our CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
people exposed to extreme weather objection? Agreed to. The House stands
conditions like the cold, heat, rain and adjourned until tomorrow 09:30.
wind. It is for that reason that one would
want to see us doing more in the area COUNCIL ADJOURNED
concerning the provision of housing
through existing programmes such as the
social housing scheme, the build-
together and many others, to these parts
of our country namely the rural areas.
Having said this Honourable Chairman,
Honourable members, I rest my case and
I support the Bill. I thank you.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much. I
will now give Honourable Sibiya the
floor.
MS SIBIYA: Thank you Comrade
Chairman, Honourable members of this
august House, with the concurrence of
the House, I wish to postpone the debate
on this Bill until tomorrow 11 May 2006
for my contribution. So I move.
CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
objection? Agreed to. Honourable
members, that was the order of the day.
Is there any other business? Yes, the
announcement probably to remind you
that immediately from here we will go to
G. 4 where we will start with a short
budgetary briefing meeting and then
continue with the party caucus. With
that, could I ask Honourable Nicanor
Deputy Chief Whip to adjourn the
House?
24
COUNCIL CHAMBER economic development in both the
medium and long term thereby by
WINDHOEK strengthening the system which is
11 MAY 2006 needed at all levels.
The Council met pursuant to Honourable Chairman, Honourable
adjournment. Members it pleases me greatly to see the
The Chairman took the Chair. term that Honourable Minister of
Prayers and Affirmation. Finance stated on the State Owned
Enterprises: “This year we have
CHAIRMAN: The sitting is called to introduced a police of targeted subsidies.
order. Are there any petitions? Any In the future SOEs will no longer receive
reports of Standing or Select a general support from the Government
Committees? Any reports and papers? the subsidy will be targeted and
Any notices of motions? The Secretary conditional on specific outcomes to be
will read the first order of the day. presented by the prospected SOE’s. The
nation has time and again expressed no
SECRETARY: Debate on Second confidence in some SOEs because of
Reading – Appropriation Bill [B.2 – chronic financial deficits that most find
2006]. themselves in at the end of every
financial year. The income generating
CHAIRMAN: Any discussions? Yes, SOEs have to be bailed out year after.
Honourable Sibiya you may take the
floor. It is claimed in some Ministries,
Agencies, and Offices that expenditure
MS. SIBIYA: Comrade Chairman, from the previous financial year roll over
Honourable Members of this august to burden the new financial year and this
House thank you for allowing me to affects the implementation of the new
contribute towards this very important planned budget activity. As a result the
debate on the Appropriation Bill. Firstly allocated funds cannot cater to the end of
I would like to congratulate the Minister the current financial year. The capital
of Finance Comrade Saara development budget is another concern
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for her vibrant when it comes to infrastructure building
and useful leadership coupled with a of schools and health facilities, I can
dynamic approach aimed at excellence mention them. Projects and programme
towards the economic development of plans for the year implemented is not
the country and her able Deputy Minister coming forth as planned. On this, I will
Comrade Tweya Tjekero for a very deliberate when we come to specific
comprehensive National Budget of this votes. The Government as a whole is
Financial Year 2006/2007. I am very seen in a poor light and often accused of
pleased to see the percentage allocated making empty promises. All this is due
more notably the worthy amount to mismanagement and misappropriation
attribute to the Ministry of Education. of funds by some officials. With due
The education and trying sector respect, it is not my place or intention to
improvement programme aims toward tell the Honourable Comrade Saara
addressing challenges of social Kuugongelwa-Amadhila what to do but
25
to urge her to blow her whistle and red of the questions we need to really
card those officials. address seriously in uplifting our lives.
Comrade Chairman, some of the
Comrade Chairman, Honourable questions I have just posed, I am glad to
Members with this few remarks, I rest mention them after I have gone through
my case and I thank you. this budget. Some of these questions
have been addressed and I think this is
CHAIRMAN: Honourable Sibiya thank the right direction.
you very much, Honourable Mwilima.
Yesterday you declined. Would you like Maybe the other thing which we need to
to take the floor? look at is our expenditure, our priority
are we really challenging our scarce
MR. MWILIMA: Thank you very resources? Are we putting them in the
much Comrade Chairman, Honourable right priorities according to our needs as
members of this august House for a country?
allowing me for this opportunity to
contribute a few words to this very Comrade Chairman, Honourable
important Bill, the Appropriation Bill. members, it is wonderful to know that if
we look at the whole budget, almost 41
Firstly, I would like to thank the per cent of the budget is a waste Bill and
Minister of Finance for tabling this Bill very little is left for our development. I
at this point in time. A lot has been said think this issues need to be addressed if
about the pro-growth, pro-poor budget, we are talking about achieving our 2030
however my concern is, are we able to Vision. This is a challenge for all of us.
transfer what we are talking about here We look at it as my other colleagues
into the actuality or the reality? Can we have already mentioned, some of the
achieve the target? resources we are putting in some of
these companies, are these companies
Comrade Chairman, Honourable worth receiving this money? We have a
members of this august House, some of lots of issues in terms of, we know the
the question we need to ask ourselves; Air Namibia etc. Have you really sorted
are the majority citizens of this country this problem and what is the problem? I
better off today than they have been 16 think we need to address this and not
years ago? Have we really addressed the only talking but we have to take action. I
issues of health, HIV/Aids threats to the am happy to note that the Ministry of
economy of this country? Have we Finance have already considered some
really embarked on issues of poverty, steps in this line and I think this is what I
not only poverty alleviation but I would think we need to be doing now.
think of poverty eradication among
ourselves? Have we really addressed Comrade Chairman, Honourable
these issues? members, it is not healthy for our
economy as it has been said time and
THE EDUCATION ISSUES: again that we produce what we can not
consume but we consume what we can
Are we producing more of jobseekers not produce. This in itself is not healthy
than job creators? I think these are some for this economy and we need to address
26
these issues seriously, noting that almost really agriculture is essential. Are we
at 85 per cent of our products here are really going to implement them? Really,
imported products. This is not healthy agriculture in that region can really
for the economy of this country. We work. That one I can support. The issue
really need to do something. For how of some of these projects are just put on
long are we going to remain a primary paper but are not being implemented.
producing country? For how long are The sugar plantation project, I now
our minerals going to be extracted and wonder if it has taken place. Nobody has
just exported for somebody to refine and got an answer to this question. These are
then we buy them on such high prices. some of the projects which are not only
When are we going to address these going to benefit the region but the whole
issues? I would feel the way forward is country, but really this thing needs to be
to embark more on education. We need taken off the ground.
more expertise so that we can produce
our own experts in these fields. I know Comrade Chairman, the proposed Water
we can do that. Therefore, that place is Front up to now is still just on paper.
my emphasis on education and I am Here, nothing comes on the ground. I
happy that in this budget education has think this need to be addressed. I still
taken the biggest cake and we need to feel again that it is not only bad, there
address this seriously. are other things which have been done
which we really need to thank the line
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Ministries and our Government through
members, just a little bit highlight on the Swapo Party lead by His Excellency
some of the activities in my region. The Comrade President Hifikepunye
Caprivi region I should believe and I still Pohamba.
believe with its fertile land and the
strategically placed location and I am aware of the Liyandi water pipe
considering the Zambezi River which is line which is being constructed now and
just alongside us, in terms of agriculture already people are benefiting from this
that region can supply food to the whole pipeline. It is not only Liyandi as I am
of our people in this country. We can saying because it moves along side a lot
really do that because we have a very of Constituencies like Katima rural,
fertile land as I said. Some of these Sibinda Constituency and also Liyandi.
issues need to be addressed seriously. I We are even going to connect and we
am referring to the issue of Green want to connect up to Kongola. So I
Scheme last year in the same august think already this pipe line is there and I
House where I wrote and I spoke about think it has done a lot in implementing
the Green Scheme. This Green Scheme and uplifting the people of that area. I
now has taken more than 4 to 5 years but am also glad that in his statement his
nothing comes on the ground. I think Excellency the President of the
some of these issues I feel we have to Republic, I think it was in his State of
start putting them in place and not only the Nation Address, he mentioned the
just talk about them. Sometimes you Ngogoma project and I conquer with that
wonder what about the things we talk (that is in my Constituency). I am glad
about in here. Are we really going to that the money ha already been allocated
implement some of these things, because and the project is off the ground and
27
these are the things which we need to Government of Republic of Namibia in
see. I am very happy for that. this drive. I know with the Swapo party
the future of this country is in good
Comrade Chairman, before I conclude - hand.
still on the road, regarding the Katima
Liyandi road, time and again we have I support the Bill and I thank you.
been saying this for a long time and that
it is an old and very busy road. At the CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
end of Liyandi Constituency, there are Honourable Mwilima next to take the
even some lodges and tourists are always floor is Honourable Namwandi.
moving there. We feel this road need to
be tarred and really something need to MR NAMWANDI: Thank you
be done because that road can also help Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
us with the economy of this country. So, member, it is my pleasure and honour to
I think that road needs to be addressed. enable me to congratulate the Minister of
Finance Comrade Saara Kuugongelwa-
You are all aware about the problem we Amadhila and her Deputy Comrade
have in the region. Up to now in Katima Tjikero Tweya and the entire staff of the
Mulilo you can construct a house and it Ministry of Finance for introducing the
won’t be electrified because of lack of rolling budget of year 2006/2007
power. However, I am glad that in this Financial Year. The introduction of this
field perhaps if things go well, we may particular Bill [B.2 – 2006], is in line
have a chance because NamPower has with the Swapo Party Manifesto and
already given land and they are busy came at the right times as we have
working on that. I hope this is going to observed. The Swapo Government has
kick off. done a lot in addressing the national
needs although more needs to be done.
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Most of the capital projects have been
members, this budget will save no achieved successful like the purchasing
purpose if it does not go a long way in of the national airlines, the opening of
improving the living standard of our some of the zinc mines, upgrade of the
people. Hence, I believe we seriously roads and even the bridges. We have
need to address the past imbalances in also observed that the railway line from
terms of wealth distribution. Therefore, the Tsumeb to Oshikango and the State
Black Economic Empowerment needs to house to mention but a few. Although
be taken very seriously. However, we there are those who are always against
should not allow individuals who want the development of this country, we are
to enrich themselves at the expense of proud of our Government for the effort
masses. I would not like to see a to be achieved. We salute His
Namibia whereby 10 millionaires versus Excellency the President of the Republic
10 million poor people. Therefore the of Namibia Commander-in-Chief
Anti Corruption Commission which had Comrade Hifikepunye Pohamba, His
been launched by His Excellency the Excellency the Founding Father of the
President of the Republic Comrade Namibian Nation Comrade Dr
Pohamba is a welcome move and we Shafiishuna Nujoma and the entire
need to support His Excellency in the Government.
28
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Comrade Chairman, our police officers
members of this august House, as we both men and women are experiencing
know the big cake is on the table to be accommodation problems for many
shared by all the line Ministries. It is years. Now most of these members have
always a culture in our country that the been temporary accommodated at the
Ministry of Education get a bigger share barracks. There is no proper
of the cake. Although, this Ministry get a accommodation found for them. These
big piece of the cake there are still more barracks are too old and are starting to
places around the country were you find fall apart. Some parts should be made
children being taught under trees as there available by this budget to address this
are no classrooms mostly in the rural problem.
areas. We need to address this kind of
situations urgently and seriously. The transport issue including petrol must
be a problem of the past. Vehicles must
Comrade Chairman, Honourable always be available to attend to
members, allow me to say something on problems complained about on time.
the Ministry of Health and Social
Services. I would like to congratulate Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Comrade Minister Dr Richard Kamwi member, the Ministry of Regional and
and his Deputy Comrade Petrina Rural Development, by my
Haingura for a job well done by bringing understanding is to develop the regions
the professional doctors from Kenya and and the rural areas but according to this
Cuba who sacrificed themselves to go cake on the table it is only getting 3 per
work in the rural remote areas all of our cent share. With this small share, how is
country. I would like to see the it expected to develop the regions? We
improvement of upgrading of the need more houses to reduce shack
hospital mortuaries in the countrywide houses. I think the capital city of this
within the 13 regions for this financial country Windhoek is supposed to be an
year budget. In most places there are example. This is the same in the whole
also hospitals that are neglected. In this country; you find kambashus (informal
case in my region Hardap we have the settlement) everywhere. They put this
Aranos and the Malthahoe hospitals Government in power therefore we need
which need to be renovated and to look after them. We are supposed to
upgraded and put on the level standard provide facilities like toilets, electricity
of a hospital. and clean waters. Many of them have
been resettled in flood areas like in
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Hardap particularly in Mariental where
members, I would like also to say some of the houses were washed away.
something about the two line Ministries, This also happened in the Caprivi,
the Ministry of Defence and Safety and Oshikoto and Karas regions because of
Security. First of all it is about our the poor quality of houses.
uniform of staff members of the defence
force, police and the prison services. Comrade Chairman, Honourable
This budget needs to address the issues members, I have also want to propose to
of salaries and housing benefits of these the parastatals in the Republic of
people. Namibia to contribute to the needs of the
29
society in order to reduce poverty and CHAIRMAN: Honourable Members
unemployment by creating employment that was the order of the day. Is there
opportunities for the youth and give any other business? There being none.
standard assessment. Most of our Shall I now call Honourable Kabula to
intelligent youths drop out of schools adjourn the House?
because of school fees. I have also
observed that we are a small population MS KABULA: Thank you Honourable
of 1,8 million but we remain poor while Chairman, Honourable members, thank
the country is rich in terms of its natural you very much for giving me this
resources. We lack engineers to do the opportunity in order to adjourn this
job. House today. But before I do so, let me
firstly wish all our Honourable Members
I have raised my case and I support the who are going to travel back to their
Bill Comrade Chairman. Thank you. Constituencies a very blessing journey.
Without wasting time Honourable
CHAIRMAN: Thank you Honourable Members I would like to adjourn this
Namwandi. Any further discussion? I House until on the 15 May 2006,
now put the question that the Bill be read Monday at 09h30.
a second time. Any objection? Any
secondment? Agree too. The Secretary Thank you so I move
will read the Bill second time.
CHAIRMAN: Any secondments? Any
SECRETARY: Appropriation Bill objection? Agreed too. The House
[B.2 – 2006]. stand adjourned until Monday 09h30.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED
30
COUNCIL CHAMBER CHAIRMAN: It is moved that I leave
the Chair. Who seconds? Any objection?
WINDHOEK Agreed to. The Vice-Chairperson of the
15 MAY 2006 Committee of the whole Council will
now take the Chair. Honourable
The Council met pursuant to Mensah-Williams.
adjournment.
The Chairman took the Chair. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: The
Prayers and Affirmation. Committee of the whole Council is
called to order. Honourable members, I
CHAIRMAN: The Council is called to shall now put Vote 01, Office of the
order. Good morning Honourable President – N$244 015 000.00. Any
members. You are welcome to the discussion? Yes, Honourable Kankoshi.
chamber after the weekend. I hope you
receive good events in your MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very
Constituencies. Honourable Vice- much Comrade Chairperson of the
Chairperson welcome back and the other whole House Committee and
comrades who were not here. Do you Honourable members, I rise in order to
have any petitions? Any reports of Select support Vote 01 which is under
Committees? Any reports and papers? discussion and my contribution will
Any notices of motions. Yes, mainly focus on the construction of the
Honourable Nicanor. new State House. A lot has been said
about the new State House that is being
MS NICANOR: Thank you Honourable built in Windhoek the Capital City of the
Chairman. Comrade Chairman, I hereby Republic of Namibia. Many negative
move a motion without notice that the statements have been said more
proceedings on Vote 01 to 05 of the especially by the opposition parties in
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006] be in this country. Quite surprisingly not even
accordance with Rule 15(3) of the a single opposition politician has come
Standing Rules and Orders of the out supporting the idea of building a new
National Council not be interrupted if State House. I am appalled by such
still under consideration at 13:00. So I stance. The reason being advanced by
move. the opposition parties are very flimsy,
the cost seems to be an issue to them but
CHAIRMAN: You may table your they forget that this is a once project
motion Honourable member. We have which should be carried out even if they
taken that it is seconded and agreed to. want it or not.
The Secretary will read the order of the
day. What should be made clear to them is
the fact that the new State House is not a
FIRST ORDER READ: Swapo Party project. It is an asset for
Namibia and her Government.
SECRETARY: Debate on Committee Succeeding State Presidents will be
Stage – Appropriation Bill [B.2 – housed there, be they are from the
2006]. opposition parties or from the ruling
party. Unfortunately and lucky enough
31
there is no chance for the opposition is for this reason that I fully support the
parties to produce a State President. new State House. The current State
Opposition parties will always be in the House is very tiny and does not
opposition for many million years to symbolize our mighty. It is even
come. That is the verdict of history. So, shameful and disheartening to state that
this is probably the main reason why the current State House is even smaller
they are opposing to the new State than some of the hotels I see around
House because they know deep down in Windhoek.
their hearts that they will only go there
as visitors and not as Presidents. Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, the State House should
Comrade Chairperson of the whole symbolize the power of the sitting
House Committee, Honourable President as vested in him by the
members, when you look around the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia.
world, you see institutions and symbols It should be as imposing and
that have come to define the identity of overwhelming, as the decisions that will
such nations. The White House has emanate from there as imposing and
come to define the symbols of American overwhelming as the Supreme Court of
political power. The Pentagon has come Namibia. Let us treat our Presidents with
to define the mighty of the American honour and dignity by building them an
Military. The Statute of liberty in the office befitting the heavy responsibility
heart of New York is also such an and mandate we have bestowed and
example. Go to our northern neighbour entrusted on them. When we bought the
Angola and look at Futungo, Angola’s Falcon Jet in 1991, it was heavily
State House and you will be shocked by criticized by the same opposition party,
the massive setup – a symbol of but today who is not proud of the falcon.
Angola’s mighty. Go to Zambia and The Heroes Acre also came under heavy
look at Plot number one, Zambia’s State attack, but who is not proud of it today?
House and you will see the
overwhelming buildings that defines These are the same people who were
Zambia’s independence and sovereignty. heavily campaigning against the
formation of Namibian Defence Force.
Comrade Chairperson of the whole In action is very costly. What we must
House Committee, Honourable do today, we must do it now, because
members, all these are massive buildings tomorrow it will be more expensive.
that once cost millions of dollars, but
today those countries do not regret I am strongly supporting the
having built such institutions of high construction of the new State House and
quality and show uniqueness. Those I would like to ensure the Namibian
countries are proud nations. Like the people that with the Swapo Party
pyramids in Egypt, State Houses all over Government their future is secured and I
the world are symbols of power. thank you.
Therefore Namibia should not VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
underestimate its power, strength and Honourable Kankoshi. Any further
uniqueness. We are a Sovereign State discussion? I see none. The Vote is
and we must project ourselves as such. It agreed to. Honourable members, I shall
32
now put Vote 02, Office of the Prime and training to local people, awareness
Minister – N$270 085 000.00. Any and monitoring will be done in regions
discussion? Honourable Deputy Minister easily. Clear channels of reimbursement
Nguvauva. in terms of fuel for transport and
subsistence travelling allowances for
MR. NGUVAUVA: Thank you very drivers is causing a depletion of the
much Honourable Chairperson, current budget of various line Ministries
Honourable members, while I am at the regional level and as a result it is
welcoming and supporting the amount of always hampering and delaying the
N$270 085 000 to the office of the Prime distribution of food to vulnerable people.
Minister, I am also raising my concern
that this amount is not enough, it could Comrade Chairperson, therefore, free
have been more than what is flow of communication from National
appropriated for now. Emergency Management Committee
(NEMC) to regions should be
Honourable Chairperson, I am saying communicated to regions, because it
this because the office of the Prime happens that while agreement was
Minister is the one that is also looking reached in the National Emergency
into the plight of the San speaking Management Committee, where trucks
Namibians all over the country and all of of line Ministries can be utilized. This
us know that a lot must be done to bring communication is not transmitted to
the San community at the service level regions but we have Permanent
that is acceptable to each and everyone. Secretaries who are members of the
We are having many San speaking National Emergency Management Unit
children who are not attending school. and as a result once again, the
Sometimes it is not that they cannot distribution of food is sometimes
afford to pay school fees and hostel fees, delayed. I would like to propose for the
but due to the fact that they must be construction of warehouses at the
transported to schools and from schools regional level to avoid damages food
back to their places where their parents stuff. I don’t want to elaborate on this.
are staying and in many cases the
distance between the school and their
homes is too long. To my experience Finally, Honourable Chairperson, allow
that is one of the main issue why the me also on a positive note to thank the
kids of the San people are not attending Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for
school but if more money could have the support that the region received from
been appropriated to this office then the that office in particular Omaheke region.
Deputy Prime Minister could have made The San community as a marginalized
arrangements and programmes for this group, were supported with food and
kids to be transported to schools and none food items like tents, mattresses
back home. and other community projects such as
cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, at
Honourable Chairperson, on the Skoonheid in the Steinhaussen
operation of EMU in regions I would Constituency and gardens at Konkerbos,
like to request that recruitment of field and Sonneblom, in Otjombinde
co-ordinators per region should be done Constituency and the others in Epukiro
33
Post 3 and Okatuuo and Epukiro RC the parliament to the people and also to
Mission. ensure that the capacity building and
skills development of all members. The
With these remarks, I support Vote 02 work of the portfolio parliamentary
and I thank you very much for the Standing Committees of conducting
opportunity. public hearings on the same Bill is still
outstanding and need to be completed
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you during the current Financial Year.
Honourable Nguvauva. Any further
discussion? I see none. It’s agreed to. I Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
shall now put Vote 03, National members, I am of the support of the
Assembly – N$58 960 000.00. Any holding of a “Children Model
discussion? Yes, Honourable Namwandi Parliament” as those types of forums are
you may take the floor. educating the youth to fully participate
in formulating policies and decision-
MR. NAMWANDI: Thank you making process. I request the office of
Honourable Chairperson and the Speaker to continue with this
Honourable members of this august exercise.
House, it is my honour and pleasure to
make contributions to the budget In my conclusion, Honourable
discussion Vote 03. It is my second time Chairperson, I call upon all members of
to present this contribution to this august this august House to support Vote 03 of
House. the National Assembly. I thank you.
First of all, it is my pleasure to
congratulate the Honourable Minister of VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Finance for allocating N$58 960 000.00 Honourable Namwandi. Any further
for the 2006/07 Financial Year. The discussion? Any objection? The Vote is
mentioned allocation will enable the agreed to. I shall now put Vote 04,
National Assembly to implement its Office of the Auditor-General – N$23
programmes effectively to the benefit of 028 000.00. Any discussion? Any
all. The allocation of N$58 593 000.00 objection? The Vote is agreed to. I shall
for the operation budget will ensure that now come to our last Vote for the day,
the outstanding walk of the Parliament Vote 05, Home Affairs and Immigration
Standing Committee be completed and – N$94 427 000.00. Any discussion?
the long awaited Bill be passed. Honourable Kankoshi, please take the
floor.
Honourable Chairperson and
Honourable members, the two Houses of
legislation are faced by the biggest
challenges of provision of proper office MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you once
accommodation for MPs and other staff again Comrade Chairperson of the whole
members. It will be good if the biggest House Committee and Honourable
challenges can be addressed from the members. I rise in order to fully support
provided budget. It will also be good to the allocation made to Vote 05 (Home
continue with the programme of taking Affairs and Immigration) which is one of
34
the most important Ministries in the establishing an immigration centre for
Republic of Namibia as it is with the all illegal immigrants for them not to be
issuing of national documents. mixed with our inmates in police cells.
As we have centres for refugees, I think
As we are facing the process of this will also be a good move to the right
decentralization, the Ministry should direction. The reason being, by isolating
also consider it in order to avoid long illegal immigrants they will not have
distances which are being experienced time to transplant their criminal
now by our people mostly in the remote activities and immoral behaviour into
rural areas e.g. in the Oshikoto region. legitimate Namibians who find
Our people have to travel almost about themselves being held behind bars in the
350Km X 2 from Omutwe-womhedi in cells. These illegal immigrants should be
Okankolo Constituency to Tsumeb, the kept there while the immigration
regional headquarters in order for them officials are making preparations to the
to obtain national documents as the immigration tribunal to authorize
issuing of these national documents were deportation as per Immigration Act 7 of
suspended from the Constituency 1993 Section 43.
offices. Just imagine a peasant farmer
travelling all those kilometres whereby Having raised those concerns, I support
he/she has to travel plus minus 40 to 50 the Vote and I would like to ensure the
kilometres on foot in order to reach the Namibian people that with the Swapo
main gravel road where there are Party Government their future is secure
transportation facilities. The Ministry and I thank you.
should consider recruiting officials,
properly train them and in-service VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
training continuously carried on, to Honourable Kankoshi. Honourable
upgrade the skills and know-how of !Gobs, you may have the floor.
those who are already in service. Then
they should be dispatch to carry out MR. !GOBS: Honourable Chairperson,
these duties at the Constituency level in Honourable members, once again allow
order to bring services closer to the me to thank the Ministers of Finance and
people. The demand for mobile Home Affairs for their efforts to make
registrations of average birth certificates, funds available. I would like to
full birth certificates, IDs and passports, contribute on Vote 05.
permanent and temporal resident permits
and application for citizenships are Within the three-year rolling
highly increasing and on daily demand development budget for 2006/07 to
on the remote rural areas. I am stating 2008/09 speaking on behalf of the region
this concern because we are being which I represent in this august House,
bombarded with these queries by the one can see that it is a good thing to
people who came to our Constituency construct some regional offices at
offices almost on daily basis. constituencies so that these offices can
facilitate the registration process and
Comrade Chairperson of the whole also obtaining of national identity
House Committee, when it comes to documents.
immigration, I think we should consider
35
Recently within the months of February you may take the floor. You will be
and March 2006, the Ministry conducted followed by Honourable Nakwafila.
mobile registration process which was a
welcomed move, but most of the people MS KAVETU: Thank you Honourable
didn’t benefit from the process because Vice-Chairperson and Honourable
of the limited time as at some members. First of all I would like to
constituencies the teams were only recognize the good work done by the
allocated for three days. This, I think can Ministry of Home Affairs and
be resolved if the Ministry has got a Immigration during the months of
proper planning with the Constituency February and March 2006 in Kunene
Councillors and avail more time and region. I would also like to recognize the
days to the process. I am also equally fact that the time given for the work was
glad that within the rolling budget, very short.
provision has been made to purchase 4
vehicles for the mobile registration to Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
enable the Ministry by issuing and members, the good work in question is
distributing birth certificates and the exercise of the issuing of IDs, birth
Namibian IDs to people residing in certificates and distribution of
remote areas throughout the 13 regions, uncollected ID cards of the following
and this excellent idea will only figures:
materialize if starting with the
construction of some offices at 1. New IDs = 3021 issued
Constituencies as these 4 vehicles will 2. Old IDs = 169 distributed
not cover all corners of the 13 regions. 3. Birth certificates = 2564
issued.
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
members, let me once again thank the This is a job well-done. Further, I would
Minister of Home Affairs for the job to like to renew my request to the Ministry
be done as our people need these very of Home Affairs and Immigration to
important documents like the senior please continue the exercise during this
citizens. Some of them do not have financial year and extend the days for
identity cards and birth certificates that the exercise for each place to at least
is why they cannot get social grants and three days. This request is as a result of
some people do not have the means to go the distance between the main centres
to the regional offices like Opuwo or where the officials of the Home Affairs
Otjiwarongo to take ID cards. But if we can reach the smaller villages that need
decentralize these functions then we the services.
have brought the Government closer to
the people. Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
members, I support the Vote and I thank
With these few words, I support Vote 05 you.
and hope that things earmarked will
materialize. I thank you. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Honourable Kavetu. Honourable
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Nakwafila you may take the floor now.
Honourable !Gobs. Honourable Kavetu
36
MR. NAKWAFILA: Thank you first of additional border posts should be
all for giving me this opportunity to established at Omundaungilo
contribute to this important Vote which Constituency so that our people cannot
deals with the funds allocated to the walk long distances. Currently the
Ministry of Home Affairs and Oshikango border post is the only one in
Immigration. the Ohangwena region, the Kasamane
border post is far away and we also have
The main purpose of allocating the Katwitwi border post in Kavango region.
amount of N$94 427 000.0 to the So, people are walking long distances to
Ministry is to enable the Ministry to get services at the border posts. It is also
deliver the necessary services to the difficult for the law enforcement
people of Namibia. This is a Ministry agencies to control the movements of
which is responsible for providing the people and as a result it is also difficult
national documents to our citizens of this for them to curb the cross border crimes.
country. I also want to thank the
Ministry for the efforts made early this With these words Comrade Chairperson,
year by sending mobile teams to the I support the Vote and I thank you.
regions so that they could issue birth
certificates and IDs to the people in VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
remote areas. But on the other hand I am Honourable Nakwafila. Any further
having a concern because not all of our discussion? Any objection? The Vote is
communities are served. The days that agreed to. Honourable members, since
we allocated to each Constituency were this was the Home Affairs, I heard all
not enough and as a result most of our women had good Home Affairs
people were left behind. To make things regulators yesterday as mothers and if
worse, some of our orphans are not in the Honourable men did not treat women
possession of birth certificates and this special yesterday, you can treat your
automatically means that they do not mother special everyday. Having said
qualify to be registered for social grants. this, I shall report progress and seek
Our people travel up to 200 kilometres leave to sit again. Comrade Chairman, I
to get death certificates of their deceased wish to report progress and seek leave to
ones from Eenhana in Ohangwena sit again.
region which is the only civil office in
Ohangwena region. The poor of the CHAIRMAN: Leave is granted
poorest who cannot afford to pay for Honourable Mensah-Williams.
transport will stay at home without Honourable members, that was the order
having a death certificate of his/her of the day. Is there any business? We
deceased one. I therefore request the had a meeting of the Privileges
Ministry concerned to appoint officials Committee notified for 14:00 this
in each Constituency so that these afternoon. Now that we finished earlier,
officials could provide birth and death could I have concurrence with the other
certificates to our people. members that we proceed immediately
after the session now and the other
Comrade Chairperson, since this members invited could follow after half
Ministry is also tasked to render an hour. Are you in agreement? Can I
immigration services, I feel strongly that see by show of hands? Thank you. I now
37
ask the Deputy Whip to adjourn the
House.
MS NICANOR: Thank you very much
Honourable Chairman, with the
concurrence of the House, I would like
to adjourn this House until tomorrow
morning at 09:30. So I move.
CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
objection? Agreed to. The House stands
adjourned until tomorrow 09:30.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED
38
COUNCIL CHAMBER
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Good
WINDHOEK morning Honourable members. The
16 MAY 2006 Committee of the whole Council is
called to order. Honourable members, I
The Council met pursuant to shall now put Vote 06, Police – N$784
adjournment. 041 000.00. Any discussions?
The Chairman took the Chair. Honourable Chief Whip you may take
Prayers and Affirmation. the floor.
CHAIRMAN: The House is called to MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
order. Good morning Honourable Comrade Chairperson of the whole
members. Any petitions? Any reports of House, Honourable members of this
Select Committees? Any reports and august House. Allow me to add my
papers? Any notices of motions? voice onto those comrades and
Honourable Hakaye you may take floor. colleagues who earlier on made their
contributions to this Vote during the
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you Comrade Second Reading of the Appropriation
Chairman, I hereby move a motion Bill in general and to the Vote on
without notice that the proceedings of Namibian Police in particular.
Votes 06 to 10 of the Appropriation Bill
[B.2 – 2006] be in accordance with Rule Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
15(3) of the Standing Rules and Order of members, I however had little time to go
the National Council not be interrupted through the pros and cons of the whole
if still under consideration at 13:00. So I budget allocated to the Namibian Police.
move. I am aware of the budget constrains
faced by our Government and as well as
CHAIRMAN: Is there any objection? looking into the actual programmes
Secondment? Agreed to. The faced by the Ministry. One may fairly
Honourable member may table the say that yes, at least some improvement
motion. The Secretary will read the has been made in this year’s allocation
order of the day. to the Vote in question namely the
Namibian Police. However, if one looks
FIRST ORDER READ: correctly to the actual situation on the
ground one will say that this is just a
SECRETARY: Debate on Committee drop in an ocean, because the Namibian
Stage – Appropriation Bill [B.2 – forces are faced with enormous
2006]. problems equivalent almost to those of
the Ministry of Health and Education.
CHAIRMAN: It is moved that I leave The question of security and safety of
the Chair. Who seconds? Any objection? our people and their properties are on a
Agreed to. The Vice-Chairperson of the constant threat on 24 hours around the
Council and the Chairperson of the clock.
Committee of the whole Council will
now take the Chair. Honourable Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Mensah-Williams. members, this phenomenon has not only
39
become a social but equally an economic MR. NAMWANDI: Yes.
problem that men and women
responsible for the maintaining of law VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Then we did
and order, safety and security of our not follow. The rest of the Honourable
people are doing just that under harsh members on my left are Honourable
and unfavourable situations and Nicanor, Honourable Shangheta. With
environment. Here I am not only that, I would now give the floor to
referring to Namibian police alone but to Honourable Shangheta. You may please
all uniformed men and women in all our take the floor.
forces: Air-force, Navy, Namibian
Police, Special Field Force, Border MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
Guards, Prison Warders and you can much Comrade Chairperson of the
name them on as to why prison has been Committee of the whole House and
separated from Namibian Police as they Honourable members. I stand to
all fall under the Ministry one has to contribute to this very important Vote 6
question that. I am saying so based on of the Namibian Police Force. The
information gathered by the Committee I Namibian Police Force has been
headed during my familiarization tour entrusted to maintain law and order at all
last year. times.
This Committee has learnt beyond Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
reasonable doubts that much is needed to members, the money appropriated to the
be done in order to stabilise the working police vote is not enough for the force to
environment of our men and women in conduct its daily performances and to
uniforms. In order to carry out such provide effective maintenance of law
undertakings are to redress the situation; and order, due to the following reasons:
huge amounts of money is required. One
is thus tempted to think along the lines
of organizing a nationwide conference – Lack of enough police stations in
on our national security. some rural areas and Constituencies
in the country is one of the problems
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable experienced during the period under
members, I am sure I will set more light review.
about our security during my report – Lack of accommodation is one of the
which I will be able to tabling in this burning problems faced by the
august House soon. Namibian Police e.g. a plot was
donated to the police in Otavi by the
With these few remarks, I support the Village Council with a purpose to
Vote and I thank you. build police accommodation
facilities but it is still standing idle
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you and nothing is happening because of
Honourable Chief Whip. Before I give lack of funds experienced by the
the floor to the next member, can I just force.
get clarity; Honourable Namwandi was
your hand also up? – The shortage of human resources in
the Police Force is one of the
40
stumbling blocks hampering the office which is unprofessional in terms
police members to fulfil their of accountability.
national responsibility.
Lack of lockable cupboards or a safe to
Police stations are supposed to consist of lock important documents such as
26 members but currently most of the dockets and other office equipments
police remain a big problem in this case, police
stations are only having few members. dockets could get missing easily and it
For example Otavi police station there is will be a big embarrassment to the police
only having 15 police men and women itself and to the public at large. The
which is not enough taking into account police must therefore be provided with
of fatal road accidents that are in most necessary office equipments in order to
cases taking place between Otavi and make sure that all the information
Otjiwarongo, Otavi and Tsumeb, Otavi documents are kept safe and not get lost.
and Grootfontein main roads as well as There is a need for cameras to be used to
Otavi and Outjo gravel roads. take photos at the scene of crime in order
to make police cases strong and give
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable enough evidence in a court of law so that
members, Otjozondjupa region is criminals can be sentenced accordingly.
consisting of 7 vast
constituencies with only one police Honourable Chairperson and
mortuary which is located at Honourable members, proper police
Otjiwarongo. Therefore, due to the fatal structure should be introduced alongside
road accidents being experienced mainly the border between our neighbouring
between Otavi and Otjiwarongo main countries such as Angola, Botswana etc.
road it is a clear testimony that there is a Our men and women who are patrolling
big need to construct or build another the border should be considered in terms
police mortuary in the Otavi of incentives and should be rotated and
Constituency. be given transport. Because transport
currently is hampering them not to
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable execute their daily performances even if
members, the Namibian Police Force is they want to chase criminals or if
also experiencing lack of office something is reported to them they first
equipments such as electrical type have to ask for transport from police
writers, photocopy machines and stations that are very far from them.
computers. Therefore, the police in
order to do its duties effectively it needs In conclusion, I would like to
modern office equipments. The lack of recommend that more money be
enough office spaces or accommodation allocated to Vote 06. With these few
is one of the problems being experienced remarks, I support the Vote and I thank
in the police force, more especially in you.
Otjozondjupa region, there is a big need
of office space or accommodation for VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
detectives or investigators. You will find Honourable Shangheta. Honourable
in most cases that they are sharing one Nhinda you may now take the floor.
41
MS NHINDA: Comrade Chairperson of go unreported and are therefore excluded
the whole House Committee, in the statistics.
Honourable members, thank you very
much for the opportunity given to me to Another concern is the environment in
say something on Vote 06. which the police officers live and work
in. The environment is not conducive
Firstly, let me thank the Minister, and this affects their health conditions.
Deputy Minister of Finance and the Let me give a specific example on this.
entire staff for a job well-done. Ongha police substation has a fabricated
Secondly, I would like to thank our office with window frames that have no
police officers for serving, protecting glasses. The windows do not even have
and maintaining peace within the curtains to cover them. It is hard to
country. I once again would like to thank imagine how the officers cope during
the nation at large for working together rainy seasons and winter. The sleeping
with the police in giving information environment is also not appealing.
leading to the arresting of criminals. Transportation is also a problem at
This Ministry has really tried to Ongha police station as well as other
decentralize. Thank you very much for police substations. They had a 1400
what you did and for continuing to do so Nisan vehicle. They would use that
in all the 13 regions. vehicle to transport corps to the
mortuary but now the car has been
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable broken for a long time. The substation
members, nowadays criminals are Head had to use his own petrol even his
everywhere, and are mostly moving own cell phone to carry out some of the
from towns and cities to go and commit everyday duties. Transport is a serious
crimes in remote areas like on farms and problem in most police stations in
villages, because they know that in cities Namibia particularly in Ohangwena
and towns the police force is strong and region and they are in need of that. I
always on alert. Ohangwena region is humbly request the Ministry to look into
very big and there is a need for police and address this matter
substations at various places like
Epembe, Ohaukelo in Omulonga Comrade Chairperson and Honourable
Constituency, Oshaango in the same members, a police officer ought to look
Constituency, Edundja in Oshikango good, clean and presentable. Sometimes
Constituency, Oshandi in Ondobe you find police officers uniforms
Constituency, Omahenge, Omafa and looking very old. They should be
Onambutu in Eenhana Constituency and provided with good uniforms for them to
also at Endola which soon will become a look presentable. Police officers
settlement. To reach police stations, operating in remote areas, at borders and
people have to walk long distances. dealing with tracking down stolen
Sometimes if a person does not have properties need to be taken care of too.
money you find that person footing for They need to be well fed and provided
80 kilometres from Omuhongo for with good shelters especially while they
instance via Eenhana to reach the nearest are on missions. They sometimes feed
police station and report the crime. on local food, they just used to eat from
Because of such a distance some crimes
42
“okapana” and drink “tombo” because Police which is under the Ministry of
they can’t do otherwise. Safety and Security.
Our police officers are starving and their Our police officers more especially those
salaries are also very low. At times they operating in the remote rural areas have
cannot afford both their needs at work to cater for the vast operational areas
and at homes. We must bear in mind that with scattered population. The presence
some of these officers are family men of the police officials mostly in the rural
and women who also have children and areas sends scaring messages not only to
need to support them to go to school. upcoming criminals but to the hardcore
The Namibian police officers need to be criminals as well. Like in Oshikoto
strong and healthy. region, we have Okatope police station
which caters for two substations and six
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable police posts and these are Omuthiya
members, the Namibian police also need substation, Okankolo substation,
to enjoy the benefits of this country. Omuntele Police Post, Onanke Police
When it comes to subsidies, only Post, Onankali Police Post, Onyati
sergeants and other top ranked police Police Post, Onyuulaye Police Post,
officers qualify to buy houses and cars Onkumbula Police Post and Onayena
through benefits. The majority of substation which is in the pipeline. Most
constables are not qualified to buy of the problems experienced by our
houses or a plot to build a house. You police forces are:
cannot see a policeman driving a
beautiful car. It is not by choice that they 1. Lack of radio
look the way they do but only that they communication: Police at
can’t afford much. these substations and police
posts have no radio
I kindly and respectfully request the communication to the main
Government to re-look into this serious station which really delays
matter and identify the police officers. and hampers effective
operations and should be
Comrade Chairperson of the whole looked at seriously.
House Committee, Honourable 2. Lack of decent living
members, I support Vote 06 and I thank accommodation: This leads
you for listening. to most qualified personnel
who should take statements
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you and declarations, not being
Honourable Nhinda. Honourable stationed at these substations
Kankoshi, you may now take the floor. at police posts. It should be
looked at.
MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very 3. The other problem is the lack
much Comrade Chairperson of the of transport: Most of these
whole House Committee and substations and police posts
Honourable members. I rise in order to are in the range of 40 – 80
support the allocation made to Vote 06 – kilometres as from the main
station which is Okatope
43
police station. Imagine a
person hanged him/herself at Having raised those concerns Comrade
Onkumbula which is almost Chairperson of the whole House
80 kilometres away from the Committee, I support the Vote and I
main police station which is would like to ensure the Namibian
Okatope police station people that with the Swapo Party
whereby the police service is Government their future is secured and I
urgently needed before the thank you.
corps get decomposed and
there is no proper VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
communication and transport. Honourable Kankoshi. Honourable
The police officers have to Martin you may now take the floor.
make use of civilian transport
and the family of the MR. MARTIN: Thank you Comrade
deceased person have to pay Chairperson, Honourable members of
the owner of such a car. Just this august House, allow me to use this
imagine the price of a corps opportunity to thank the whole police
carried in a private transport. forces countrywide for their job well
4. Salaries: This budget should done and for continuing to protect the
address the salaries of our Namibians and their properties within
men and women in uniform. limited resources.
Their salaries should be
adjusted in order to attract Vote 06 with the allocation of N$784
and retain qualified personnel 041 000, this amount is having the
into the force and to cope blessing of Oshana Region. We are
with the inflation. humbly requesting Honourable Minister
5. Lack of water and electricity of Safety and Security to put Oshana
at some of these police posts Region or Oshakati in the first priority. I
and substations: At most of am saying so because Oshana is central
these substations and police and consist of three main police stations
posts there is no water and for example Oshakati, Ondangwa and
electricity because they were Okatope Police stations. Apart from the
constructed and built by the main police station each station is having
community in order to bring a substation and satellite police stations.
police services closer to
them. One example is of the Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
police post at Omuntele. members of this august House, in order
for our police to fulfil their duties
The other point I wanted to raise here is properly, they need enough 4 X 4
the police mortuary. The current police pickups fitted with steel canopies and
mortuary at Okatope police station buses to be used during the operation
should be expanded as it is the only and the transporting of staff members
mortuary to be found between Tsumeb during their shifts to and from duty.
and Ondangwa tarred road where many Trucks should also be provided to
road accidents occur mostly during the transport prisoners to and from court as
festive season.
44
well as the sentenced prisoners to Oluno despite of the difficult situation that the
rehabilitation centre. police is experiencing. During the visit
Traffic units of Oshakati and Ondangwa of the Standing Committee on
are currently having shortage of vehicles Constitutional and Legal Affairs to 9
in its strength. In order for these units to regions, similar complaints and
perform effectively is only when new shortcomings were reported and it has
and modern vehicle and cameras are effect the provision of services in
allocated to them to enable them to general. Infrastructure, lack of transport
control drivers around Oshakati, and minor repairs, overcrowded of cells
Ondangwa, Utapi, Ohangwena etc. We and shortage of human resources came
have experienced since the up more often. In this instance the
implementation of the new police current budget may be not enough for
uniform that Oshana region received the 13 regions and can be easily
only few uniforms. It is not enough for exhausted within a few months due to
all members. Some are still performing uncompleted programmes from the
duties in civilian clothes due to the lack previous financial year.
of a full set uniform. This can be very
frustrating to our members. Laptops are Honourable Chairperson, another
also needed very much in police forces concern is that very little compliments
especially during their operations outside have been given to the police. What one
the office and to have equipment with a hears mostly is criticism which is not
list of all stolen motor vehicle data base. motivating at all. The law enforcement
The reason for this is to enable members agency ensures that the citizens of
to check confiscated stolen cars within a Namibia enjoy piece and harmony, on
limited time especially at road blocks the other hand as citizens we need to
and during their operations. support their efforts and not expect the
police to do miracles especially with
Comrade Chairperson, with these few limited resources on their hands. In my
concerns, I support the Vote. region which is Khomas with the
estimated population of 297 639 people,
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you almost 3 000 000 at the latest census.
Honourable Martin. I shall now give the More and more people are coming to the
floor to Honourable Sibiya. city each year stretching the resources of
the already understaffed police force.
MS SIBIYA: Thank you Honourable The Khomas Region cater for Khomas,
Chairperson, Honourable members of Rehoboth, Hochfeld, Dordabis and all
this august House for the platform given the surrounding farms with 10 police
to me to enable contribution towards this stations and 7 substations which is the
important Vote 06 of Police. satellite and is currently policed by one
member per shift, hence unsafe situation
I would also like to thank the Minister of in most places. Thanks to the Namibians
Safety and Security Honourable that they are not aggressive and violent
Tsheehama and his Deputy Minister people. It must also be mentioned that
Comrade Shihepo for their dedication Windhoek being the Capital City is
and commitment to ensure that public frequented by dignitaries and they
safety is implemented nationwide
45
require a peaceful and secure the people will not understand and they
environment. will resist, and this put the police officer
in a very big predicament.
The establishment of the road traffic
checkpoint units and the transfer of the The sever shortage of vehicles and lack
Caprivi High Treason Case to Windhoek of maintenance need to be addressed to
has added to the already understaffed improve and ensure quality service. I
region. The approved staff complement would like to thank the City Police for
is 1450, but currently the force stands at the boost of the police as they are having
843 giving the staggering shortage of the means and complimenting each other
607 and that is in Khomas. How do you and also having the responsibility to
like that? safeguard the citizens of Windhoek
which is also their responsibility.
Most of the offices, police stations,
barracks and cells are in a very bad stage Honourable Chairperson, with these few
and urgent renovation is needed. remarks, I support the Vote and I thank
Expansion on existing cells is needed as you.
most of the cells are always full and
doubled their capacity. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Honourable Sibiya. Honourable
Police accommodation is another great Namwandi you may now take the floor.
concern. The Ministry of Safety and
Security must look into the matter to MR. NAMWANDI: Thank you
assist police officers to acquire descent Honourable Chairperson and
accommodation. It will also make it Honourable members of this august
easier to place members if House. I stand here to support Vote 06
accommodation is available, instead of of Police under the Ministry of Safety
the police officer left with no other and Security. But before I do that, I
alternative but to rent a kambashu would like to congratulate the Minister
(Informal settlement). It is demoralising of Finance who allocated the amount of
if people do not have proper N$784 041 000 to the Ministry of Safety
accommodation. It can expose them to and Security although it is not enough to
bribery and corruption. Really what do address the social needs of the said
we expect? That is why some of the Ministry.
community members are resisting the
arrest from the police because they don’t Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
respect the police. They don’t really see members, this Ministry under discussion
the police as officers who are there for is a very important Ministry in our
law enforcement. What is the reason for country but it is facing many problems
that? It is the place, the environment such as transport that can be taken to the
where they are staying and they interact scene of an accident or complaints,
with the people on a daily basis. Because leaving out the condition of the uniform,
if I am staying at a low class place I will accommodation, office accommodation,
just end up doing as they are doing. At low salaries just to mention a few.
the end of the day even if I am trying to Transport is the major problem in the
impose whatever I am supposed to do, police service for example in my region
46
Hardap. Sometimes you find the police in such manner that they can obtain
officials footing because there is no car. skills and their expertise be utilized back
Sometimes there is a lack funds to buy to the society. Overcrowding of police
petrol. Vehicles are just parked at the cells is happening because of the slow
station. I think this problem is not only process of prosecution.
in my region but being experienced
countrywide. Comrade Chairperson, I have raised my
concerns and I support Vote 06. I thank
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable you.
members, this is the reason why the
crime rate is increasing by day, such as VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
car theft, gunpoint robbery and house Honourable Namwandi. Honourable
breaking just to mention a few. Police Mwilima you may now take the floor.
officers should be fully equipped to
maintain peace, safety and security in MR. MWILIMA: Thank you Comrade
our country. They must try and use Chairperson of the Committee of the
modern weapons to monitor and protect whole House. I rise in support of Vote
themselves and the country at large. 06 of the Ministry of Safety and
Security. First and foremost I would like
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable to thank the Minister and his team for
members of this august House, I motivating this Vote. It is a fact that
observed that some officials also misuse without peace and stability there is no
Government property such as cars, means of development which can take
telephones etc. Restrictions need to be place in any given country. At the time
put in place to bring these culprits to when many of our sister African
book. Sometimes a complainant comes countries and indeed the whole world
to a police station to report a case but the including those who claim to be
cars are all gone maybe to the farms or champions of democracy are faced with
to do private businesses. It is high time difficulties in maintaining peace. In the
that these officials take ownership of Republic of Namibia we have
Government property to use them in a successfully maintained the rule of law. I
right way. am glad that we have become a shining
example even a shame to those
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable imperialists who thought Africans
members, the living condition of cannot govern themselves. We have
uniformed officials is unhygienic in the managed to hold free and fair elections
police cells and prisons. This needs to be at regular cases. Thanks to the men and
addressed as a matter of urgency. women in uniform for maintaining peace
Enough funds should be allocated to this and stability.
Ministry in order to purchase modern
equipments and also to recruit enough Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
persons to do the job. The funds are members, I am of the opinion that more
needed to upgrade police cells, resources need to be allocated to this
rehabilitation centres and to build Ministry. We have seen that the exercise
regional police mortuaries in all 13 of combating crime is a challenging one
regions. Inmates should be rehabilitated and our officials need to be well
47
equipped and this must not be only for deal. A lot has been mentioned by some
the safety and security officers. All of us of my colleagues. So, in short, Comrade
need to fight against crime. Chairperson, just to add one, we need to
I am concerned about the lack of improve the living standard of our police
transport which has been mentioned by officers. Their salaries are very low
some of my colleagues here in most of comparing to the inflation, the rate of
our police stations. In the Caprivi our inflation. I think something need to
Region as we are bordering sister be done in this regard so that we can
countries such as Zambia, Angola and attract more young people into the
Botswana, we have a problem with service and also to be able to maintain
controlling the borders. Therefore, there and keep the most experienced officials.
is a need for water and transport for our
police offices in those parts of the With these few words I thank you and I
region. Most of the stolen items like support the Vote.
TVs, most of the thieves once they have
taken the item or they have stolen them, VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
some of them will cross the river and it Honourable Mwilima. Honourable
is very difficult for our police officers. Katoma you may now take the floor.
So, they need to have the police
patrolling the rivers. MR. KATOMA: Thank you very much
Honourable Chairperson of the
There is also an increase in stock theft in Committee of the whole House and
that region and this is also a very serious Honourable members. I stand to support
concern which I think the Ministry have Vote 06 with the total allocation of
to look at. There is also a need to N$784 041 000 to the Police. Looking at
upgrade the existing Katima police the huge needs of this department; this
station. That building is too old. I also amount is not enough to enable the
feel that we need to construct a police police force to carry out the noble tasks
mortuary because at this stage the only which is to maintain laws and order in
mortuary we have is the one for the State the country successfully and to promptly
at the Caprivi General Hospital. This is provide quick response to security
not enough. eventualities.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable However, this is what the national cake
members, I am pleased to mention that could afford to offer. I therefore, would
the constructed Ngoma police station has like to note that urgent attention be given
been put to good use, because we have to transport within the police, that is to
got two police stations there, one is provide service to police cars that are
Katima and the other one is Ngoma. This lying idle there at the police stations
is been put in good use and the residents countrywide because of a lack of service
of that area have worked closely with the and repairs. Under the activities of
police in that part of the area and this has rehabilitation and renovation of police
managed to reduce crime in that part of facilities, one would like to see that the
our country. I think that we need more, Okakarara police cell is provided with
especially sub police stations in those cooking facilities for the inmates. I
constituencies, which can help us a great visited Okakarara and I find that there is
48
a great need of providing these facilities The Karas region is one of the vastest
to this station. Another observation is regions in Namibia covering an area of
that in most rocky regions, the police is 161 215 kilometres and with a
finding it difficult to access some areas. population of 69 329 and they are only
Take for example the Kunene region and served by 342 police men and women.
others. Therefore, the provision of 4 X 4 You have heard correctly, 342 police
to these regions will eventually enable men and women. It means that each
the police to carry out their tasks police officer is policing about 202
successfully. With these few people. This situation leaves much to be
observations, I support Vote 06 and I desired and corrected measures need to
thank you. be embarked upon the soonest by the
Ministry if the police have to do their
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you work effectively. The policing area in
Honourable Katoma. Honourable that region is about 14 police stations
Nicanor you may now take the floor. and 8 border posts which are bordering
our neighbour South Africa. The
MS NICANOR: Thank you very much distance between the police station form
Honourable Chairperson of the the main police station, the nearest one is
Committee of the whole and Honourable 80 kilometres. I have heard my
members. I wish to express my colleague over there talking about 40 to
appreciation to the Honourable Minister 80. I am saying the nearest one is 80
of Finance Comrade Saara kilometres, 300 up to even 500
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for the kilometres but you are still within the
allocation of N$784 041 000 this year to same region away from the main station.
the Namibian Police, but there is still One should therefore have enough
room for improvement if you want to members and vehicles and each policing
ensure more effective and efficient area that is of such a vast nature in order
service delivery. There is no doubt in my for the police to carry out their duties
mind that our men and women in effectively.
uniform, thanks to them, law and order
in this country is being maintained day Another thing is in when the police have
and night and they are doing a great job. to provide backup to any eventuality
However this, they do under many having in mind those very long distances
difficulties and shortcomings they are far away from the main station to other
normally faced with. Having said that I police stations. In other problem areas,
would like to make some observations the police are faced with in that region,
regarding the region I am coming from is for example accommodation for
and that is none other than the great members. Difficulties of police
Karas region. The shortcomings the patrolling alongside the border with
police are faced with in the Karas region South Africa because the private farming
that hampers quality service deliver to areas are adjacent to the international
the community are numerous, but I want borders meaning that there is no State
to concentrate today on manpower land alongside the border for example
constrains. from the Mata-Mata gate to the entry
point up to the Noordoewer border post.
If the Government can do something in
49
this regard that will also alleviate the stand in the world’s eyes as a mirror
problem police are faced with in through which Namibia as a country and
patrolling those areas. the nation is seen.
The other area I would not want to leave Namibia like many other countries of the
without mentioning is for the Ministry to world has to earn herself good friends
also start looking into promotions of throughout the world. It needs to carry
police officers. The situation of having further its national and international
police station commanded by someone agenda. This means it need not only
with the same rank as of those who are qualified personnel but equally patriots
under him, I think leaves much to be who can best represent and market
desired and it is therefore my request Namibia in countries of their operation
that the Ministry start looking into this or where they are being deposited.
shortage.
Today Comrade Chairperson, we are
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable talking of the integration of the African
members of this august House, all these continent into one Africa-one-voice. We
shortcomings I have just alluded to; one are talking about reformation and
should still compliment the Namibian democratisation of the United Nations.
Police men and women in that region. Namibia need to play her card neatly in
The crime situation is under control and all these. This means they need some
they are doing everything to their level good money therefore to carry out such
best to maintain law and order and to activities. It is said that most of our
protect the lives and properties of their foreign missions are either understaffed
fellow citizens. I generally therefore or Namibia is under represented or not
would like to compliment the Minister of even represented in some important
Safety and Security Comrade Peter bodies of the world, and we need to be
Tjirumbu and his team for their there, but we are not there due to the
consecutive efforts to continue making lack of funds.
Namibia a crime free country. With
these few words, I would rest my case In today’s world Comrade Chairperson,
and I support Vote 06. the diplomatic front between and among
I thank you. nations then institutions becomes so
much important so that most of the
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you topical issues that can lead nations to
Honourable Nicanor. Any further war can be easily resolved through
discussion? Any objection? The Vote is diplomatic engagements. Namibia has in
agreed to. Honourable members, I shall spite of its financial constraints
now put Vote 07, Foreign Affairs – participated in a number of diplomatic
N$222 443 000. Any discussion? Yes, engagements with other nations through
Honourable Chief Whip Hakaye. SADC, EU or United Nations
peacekeeping missions on the African
MR. HAKAYE: Very you very much continent and other parts of the world. It
Comrade Chairperson again for the is thus against this background that we
opportunity. Foreign Affairs is equally have good reasons to support the
one of the most important Ministry for it
50
allocation to the Ministry of Foreign Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
Affairs. members, at this point I would like to
suggest that the Ministry of Defence
With these few observations, I support introduce a system of recruiting school
the Vote and I thank you. learners: 18 years of age and above for
national service. On completion, this
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you pool of trained personnel can be called
Honourable Hakaye. Any further up at short notice to assist the country in
discussion? Any objection? The Vote is crises situations be-it security or service.
agreed to. Honourable members, before These national services can enlighten
we move on to the next Vote, I observe young people unto career choices as they
that it is time for us to break for tea. We will be exposed to many possibilities
shall now break for tea until 11:05. during their training be it building,
construction, agriculture, electrician,
COUNCIL RESUMES mechanical engineer etc. I do believe
that this is the task we should take if we
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable want to make Vision 2030 a reality.
members, I hope you enjoyed your tea
break. We shall now proceed and put Honourable Chairperson, I support the
Vote 08 – Defence, N$1 335 297 000. Vote and I thank you.
Any discussion? Honourable Sibiya.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
MS SIBIYA: Thank you Comrade Honourable Sibiya. Honourable
Chairperson, members of this august Namwandi you may now take the floor.
House. Thank you for the opportunity
afforded to me to contribute towards this MR. NAMWANDI: Thank you
important Vote 08 of Defence. Let me Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
also make use of this chance to members of this august House. I am
congratulate the Minister of Defence standing to support Vote 08 of Ministry
Comrade Namoloh and his Deputy for of Defence. I would like to congratulate
their excellent leadership. The military is the Minister of Finance Comrade Saara
one of the most important Ministries in Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for allocating
the Government that cannot be forgotten, this amount to this Ministry.
given the role they play both in the UN
and SADC regions which are well Comrade Chairperson, I have observed
recognised. I would also like thank the military bases and camps countrywide
Ministry for providing security and and I have seen that they are living under
crime prevention together with the unhygienic conditions. Most of the
police. It shows a lot of commitment that military bases camps are very old
they are able to work hard even in poor because they were made for Koevoet and
conditions. It pleases me to see that Vote SWATF in the colonial era.
08 of Defence have been allocated as
much as need to be done on Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
infrastructure. members, it is a serious matter that needs
to be addressed and the budget Vote of
this Financial Year must be taken care
51
of. The accommodation issue should mention have been mentioned by my
also be addressed as a matter of urgency. colleagues.
As we are always proud of our soldiers
to send them on missions to represent Since on that historic day on the 21st
our country, we should also treat them March 1990, Namibia joined the
well with respect and make them proud. international community as a free
One example is when we sent our sovereignty and independence State and
soldiers to Cambodia for peace keeping we are playing our part as the world
and they did an excellent job and we are player. Our men and women in uniform
proud of them. Secondly, it was when have saved us with distinction in many
they when accomplished the safe peace international missions such as
keeping in Angola, Liberia and DRC and Cambodia, Liberia to mention but a few.
even here in Namibia in Katima Mulilo What about the main lives we saved in
(Caprivi region). They did very well and the Democratic Republic of Congo with
we salute them. They put our Namibian our sister countries such as Angola and
country on the world map. It is therefore Zimbabwe, not forget what transpired in
our turn to treat them with high respect. my region the Caprivi Region. All those
have been excellent work by our
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Defence Force. Now there is peace in the
members, I propose that the war veterans region and I would call for the investors
be provided land, for example to be aware of that. Come and invest,
resettlement farms that they can be everything is peaceful. We need more
resettled with their families to enjoy the investments in the region to improve our
fruit of independence of this country. living standards.
Enough modern weapons should be Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
bought for the country as well as Jet members of this august House, I am
fighters, helicopters and other material delighted to note that our Defence Force
weapons. This is useful especially in members have been involved in many
emergency cases like the Mariental and life saving emergency activities; like
Katima Mulilo floods. The helicopters what my colleague Honourable
and jets are needed to secure people. Namwandi have said: the floods in
Mariental and Caprivi region and we
Comrade Chairperson, I support Vote 08 would like to have more of these
and I thank you. activities.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Honourable Namwandi. Honourable members, I only have to remind those
Mwilima you may take the floor. who have always been against the
formation of a strong army for the
MR. MWILIMA: Comrade Republic of Namibia. In the world
Chairperson, Honourable members of affairs today you cannot take anything
this august House, I rise to support the for granted. There are no permanent
Vote of the Ministry of Defence. friends neither do we have permanent
However, some of the issues I wanted to enemies. We must always be prepared
for any eventuality.
52
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable past 16 years under that harsh
members, in conclusion, we will environment of working. You know who
jealously guard and protect the are these gallant sons and daughters I am
sovereignty of the Republic for now and referring to I suppose. They are the
forever. To those who still hamper the former Plan Combatants. They mastered
ideas of the colonialists should be the guerrilla warfare to its final
informed that Namibia shall never be a conclusion with heroic, honour and
colony again. I support the Vote and I humility. We are saluting them for that.
thank you.
We however can only give them a
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you defending honour to these gallant sons
Honourable Mwilima. Honourable and daughters of the soil by way of re-
Hakaye you may take the floor. You will examining their salary scales, working
be followed by Honourable Kankoshi. conditions and that the majority of them
are now approaching their retiring age.
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you Comrade We must not be caught up unprepared
Chairperson, Honourable members, once for this new technology. On that I mean
again, permit me to make my whenever these gallant sons and
contribution to this yet important Vote. daughters are retired, let us prepare a
Issues pertaining to Defence Forces of conducive environment for them for the
our country are not that much different rest of their lives. As you can see them,
from those of Safety and Security. What they don’t have a place to go to. Some
may differ is the scope of operation, the are not resettled anywhere ever since
nature of the actual situation surrounding they came into this country, but they are
these Forces. When we are speaking of just kept in the army. If they are retired
security nowadays we are speaking of they have nowhere to go. The Ministry
the nova-technology. If we all agree on of Lands and Resettlement should
that, then we all have the understanding prepare for their future resettlement with
that we need professional Forces in their families and so on. Right now, the
Namibia. We need new blood there. In majority of them are in their retiring age
so doing we need to train the young ones but are just kept for that reasons.
who can learn and comprehend the new
technology that I have referred to earlier Comrade Chairperson, back to the
on. The team that has this country at prevailing situation in the Forces, the
heart for they have fought for this country is currently experiencing an
country are or has approached their unprecedented number of young officers
retiring age. leaving the Forces for greener pastures
particularly in the areas of the air force
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable and navy. One thing disturbing in this
members, you do not expect an army whole exodus is the fact that these young
personnel to retire at the age of 60 years. ones were fed, trained and given all
It is not like that. Therefore, we need round of services necessary for their
new young ones who can take over from training at the expense of Namibian
these gallant sons and daughters of the Defence Force, but upon the attainment
soil who did not only heroically fought of their qualifications they are leaving
for this country but defended it for the the army with their qualifications. One
53
wonders whether these young boys and reputation. During peace time, this has
girls may not make themselves available been already mentioned by the comrade
at the disposal of the army to protect and who have spoken before me that the
defend them or to the protection and Namibian Defence Force has provided
defence of the motherland. They are set enormous assistance to the civilian
to lack patriotism and moral to endure popular during the floods and accident of
these harsh conditions. I therefore would Grootfontein. Defence Force airplanes
like to join my colleague who invited transported these people from Oshakati
that maybe a sort of orientation be given and not only from Oshakati, from the
to the young ones especially those who sea, Tsumeb, Oshakati and then Rundu.
left schools so that they at least have the These people needed our assistance.
patriotism and the love for the country at There is no joke about that.
heart other than just to go there and
make money. Comrade Chairperson, though this 1
billion plus sounds very big. In the
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Defence cycle, it is not that big, because
members, we are seeing high influx as I we are talking of the purchasing of
said many of them fleeing the Defence armaments, airplanes, tanks and all other
force, and this exodus is as you can see including new technology. This is some
already a direct threat to our security. millions we are talking about. A jet-
Here, something urgent must be done. fighter is another situation. Therefore
This is to improve the working you will find nothing left for the good
environment of our armed forces in salaries and improvement of the
Namibia to create favourable conditions conditions that we are talking about. So,
to attract and not only to attract but to let us not get the impression that this 1
keep the young ones in the forces as are billion is a huge amount when it comes
they joining. to that. Please comrades, like it is said
that ‘do not take everything for granted’.
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable The world is changing and it is only if
members, the issue of security and you have modern and well qualified
defence as a whole need serious and army personnel, air force and navy, that
high consideration from the highest you can have surveillance, air order and
authority in our Government which I am everything against the intruders then you
going to elaborate on a later stage. feel secure. Then you can only do that
Though our forces live under such harsh into this world by the touch of the
conditions, Namibian Defence Force has pattern. If you don’t have that, then you
proven to the world that it has are at risk any time. We have this Al
formidable power to reckon with. Qaeda in the world. We have so many
Wherever we sent them they left a other enemies that are facing especially
landmark and a legacy of good Namibia and Africa in general. It is only
reputation. Their presence and their Namibia up to now that proved resistant
departure are always felt. That is the to civil unrest, but as you look from the
reason why whenever there is a call at look of things, these seeds are being
EU or the United Nations; Namibia sowed on the Namibian soil. If we are
Defence Forces are always given the busy sowing these seeds to create
first thought because of our good conducive for civil strife, then we must
54
be more than prepared. With these few retain and attract experienced and skilled
remarks Honourable Chairperson, personnel in the army, their
Honourable members, I support this remuneration and benefits should be
Vote wholeheartedly and I thank you. addressed during this Financial Year in
order for our men and women in uniform
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you to cope with the current living conditions
Honourable Hakaye. I will now and inflation. Let the line Ministry create
recognise Honourable Kankoshi. attractive condition of services for all
army personnel which will look at the
MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very salaries of our men and women in
much Comrade Chairperson of the uniform and adjust their salaries
whole House Committee. I also rise to accordingly.
support the allocation made to Vote 08
which is Defence. Our men and women Comrade Chairperson, having raised
in uniform need to be applauded by each those concerns, I support the Vote and I
and every peace loving Namibians would like to ensure the Namibian
because our country is enjoying peace people that with the Swapo Party
and stability because of them. The Government and its Defence their future
economic and business personalities are is secured.
prospering because of the tranquillity
prevailing in the country, but let us not VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
fool ourselves that this peace will stay Honourable Kankoshi. Any further
forever. Therefore, I am very much discussion? Honourable Martin please
jubilant with the allocation of N$185 take the floor.
million for army equipments. Hence, I
recommend the purchasing of new and MR. MARTIN: Thank you very much
modern weapons as soon as possible. Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
We are living in a world of technology members of this august House. Allow
therefore our army should also be me again to take this opportunity to
technology compliance. Remember, the contribute on Vote 08, Defence. The
economy and the businesses will only amount of N$1 335 297 000 has the
prosper if there is political stability in blessing of Oshana region.
the country. I am therefore appealing
and kindly requesting teachers more Our Namibian Defence Force should be
especially the Life Skill teachers and maintained in the same way that we do
career guidance teachers to instil the with democracy. Therefore, the
love of nationality and the protecting of allocation of a required amount to the
national integrity and expose our Namibian Defence Force should be
youngsters to military skills and applauded because as a country we will
techniques for them to pursue career in not maintain our Namibian Defence
the field of Defence after completing Force properly if we do not address their
Grade 12 or even completing the first complains. The budget allocated to
degree or third degree. Defence Force this year and next year is
encouraging the Namibian Defence
Remember, good soldiers are in the age Force to redouble their activists inside
range of 25 to 30. Again, in order to and outside and will also enable them to
55
buy new modern military equipments. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Previously, many of the vehicles in army Honourable Martin. Any other
bases were inherited from the former discussion? Any objection? The Vote is
colonial regime and UNTAG. Those agreed to. Honourable members, I shall
vehicles are not road roadworthy now put Vote 09, Finance – N$1 701
anymore and are seriously threatening 488 000. Any discussion? Yes,
the lives of our soldiers. Several vehicles Honourable Deputy Minister Nguvauva.
are parked because there are no spare
parts available. MR. NGUVAUVA: Thank you very
much Honourable Chairperson and
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Honourable members. I am not an expert
members of this august House, I call in money matters like many of my
upon the Ministry of Defence to develop colleagues and comrades here in this
a comprehensive master-plan to address august House, but I am sure that all of us
the problem of accommodation, knows sometimes when and how much
remuneration, transport, clothes and you are supposed to pay or to be paid.
other associated benefits. A serious
consideration should be given to Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
purchasing new and modern weapons for members, I am standing here in front of
our forces. The Ministry should consider this august House to raise a very
and provide computers to the signal important concern and that is the way in
regiment because the work of the unit which the information or the Income Tax
depends on the communication and Assessment form is calculated. I am not
mobility in order to carry out its work blaming anyone at this moment in time. I
smoothly. Early retirement packages for think I am convinced that somehow
Ex-fighters who are in the Namibian somewhere there is chaos and somebody
Defence Force should be introduced. is responsible for this, and if the
The Ministry of Defence should also Ministry of Finance is not pulling up its
look for ways and methods to purchase socks, it might be that everything will be
land for relocation and construction of put in front of its doors. To me it is still
new military camps or bases. Army not clear who is the culprit in this matter,
engineering basis should be established whether it is the responsible officers in
to do repair work for army facilities. the various Ministries or the Ministry of
This would safe Government money, Finance itself.
currently being paid to private
companies. Military grave yards should The Office of the Receiver of Revenue is
be introduced in the 13 regions. sending out the tax assessment forms
Mortuaries should be build at all informing you how much you are owing
regional headquarters; military bases and them or vice versa. In many cases the
bases for the sick should be upgraded information or the calculation done is
and equipped with modern equipments. wrong and as a result many Namibians
are loosing their money through this
Comrade Chairperson, with these few practice or the Government is also
remarks, I support the Bill. loosing money if the calculation and
assessment is not done properly and
correctly.
56
assessment forms sent to
Honourable Chairperson, I am saying them are just correct the way
this because I am having a practical they are. They should
example; this happened twice to me on question which is
two different occasions. The latest questionable, and if they are
assessment form that was sent to me was not in a position to do the
indicating that I owed the Receiver of analysis or to distinguish
Revenue more than N$7 000.00, but what went wrong like me,
after I instructed someone to investigate, then they are tax consultants
I was informed that the situation is vice in Namibia. I am advising
versa indeed. They owed me money. I them to make use of their
am having a practical example here. My services otherwise they will
question now is, if this can happen to just end up paying money for
you and me, what is happening to the nothing.
thousands of ordinary electorates or
Namibians outside there who cannot With these remarks, I support Vote
take up the challenge and question what 09 and I thank you very much.
is sent to them? The result as I said early
is, either the Government or the citizens VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
are loosing a lot of money and none of Honourable Nguvauva. Any further
these two parties can afford to loose discussion? Any objection? The Vote is
money through that practice. We as agreed to. Honourable members, I shall
parliamentarians should not allow this to put the last Vote for today. Vote 10,
happen because we are accountable to Ministry of Education – N$3 192 081
the Government of the Republic of 000. Any discussions? I will start with
Namibia and also the ordinary citizens Honourable Shangheta.
who are the electorates.
MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
Finally Honourable Chairperson, I am much Comrade Chairperson and
proposing two things: Honourable members. The Vote under
review in this august House is enjoying
1. The Minister of Finance my unwavering support.
Comrade Saara
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Comrade Chairperson, education is a key
should take serious steps to to success that is why the big allocation
stop this practice and to of money has always been allocated to
rectify the situation and the the Ministry of Education. But, my
lazy ones who are responsible biggest concern is that there are still
for this should be brought to pupils who are taught under trees more
book whether they are in the especially in some rural areas.
Ministry of Finance or in the Therefore, I would like to recommend to
line Ministries and steps must the Ministry concerned to make sure that
be taken against them. the N$3 192 081 000 allocated to this
2. I am appealing to the tax Ministry should be used in the
payers not to take it for construction of more primary and
granted that the tax secondary schools both in rural and
57
urban areas. The Ministry of Education professions seriously because good
should consider introducing primary results depend on them. Therefore the
schools in commercial farms. My appeal slight increase done at this vote, for sure
to the farm owners is to provide land to will make a big difference in addressing
the Ministry of Education in order to be some of the short-comings such as of
able to build those schools in text books, dilapidated school buildings
commercial areas. The purpose is to as well as chairs at the schools.
bring education not only closer to the
commercial farm community members, Honourable Chairman, Honourable
but to the people living in the members, if you go around schools in
commercial areas. Currently, children in rural areas, you will conclude sooner or
those farms, most of them are not later that learners and their teachers are
receiving education because they are far going to sit on the floors. One can ask as
from towns where schools are found. to where the fairness and equity are in
They don’t even have transport for them allocating resources comparing schools
to reach the nearest towns where the in the urban areas and those in rural
schools are. areas. I am certainly sure that allocations
done to this Vote will be mostly
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable swallowed by the salaries because N$2.2
members, I would also appeal to the billion will go for the said purpose. But
Ministry concerned that the pre-primary if the allocation is going to be spent in a
schools and adult education centres must well planned and well coordinated and
also be introduced in the commercial systematically approach, it will also
sectors as a matter of urgency. With make some improvements because it
these few remarks, I support the Vote doesn’t augur well for a developing
and I thank you. country like Namibia and is not healthy
to pour money in a system where its
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you outcome is always poor. Therefore,
Honourable Shangheta. Honourable pouring money into the system should
Ndjambula, you may take the floor. also produce good results. Here I would
want to thank the Directorate of
MR. NDJAMBULA: Thank you Education in Oshikoto region for having
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable been the overall leading Directorate last
members. I rise in support of Vote 10, year in the Grade 12 examinations in the
Education and to air some of my whole country. Credit should therefore
concerns. Education is the key to a better be given where it is due. Congratulations
life and to a better future. Namibia is at colleagues and keep it up. Having said,
peace and is stable. However, we are that my first concern is overall new
faced with a peaceful war that of Senior Secondary School which is going
eradicating poverty, ignorance and to be established at Onyuulaye in
diseases including HIV/Aids which need Okankolo Constituency in the Oshikoto
educationists. I am therefore region. The allocation to this project is
encouraging learners to study very hard made for 2008 and 2009 respectively.
if they want to live successful lives in
their future endeavours. At the same Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
time I am urging teachers to take their members, I am astonished and
58
disappointed by this move because I was even school uniform. These things are
a member of Oshikoto Region Education happening and continuing in the rural
Forum since its inception and there was areas and being perpetuated by some
no discussion centre around Onyuulaye school principals who consider schools
Senior Secondary School. However, as their own homes or properties. To this
there were two resolutions taken to end I would want to call on the Minister
establish two senior secondary schools. to translate his statement into action
First one is to be established at because actions speak louder than words.
Omuntele Constituency and this one “no On top of that such statements are not
problem” is well on, course even though enforceable and are seen to be mere
there have been many delays in the political statements. There must be a
implementation process. The other one mechanism in place as to how such a
was to be established in Olukonda statement is going to be enforced and by
Constituency, in my constituency of whom.
course. Who was chairing the said
meeting? It was Honourable Vilho With these few concerns, I thank you
Kamanya the former Governor of Honourable Chairperson.
Oshikoto region and the Director of
Education Mr. John Kandombo the VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
current CEO of Oshana region. Honourable Ndjambula. Honourable
Nhinda you may take the floor.
Furthermore, what is unsatisfactory to
me is how the provision to establish the MS NHINDA: Comrade Chairperson,
secondary school was made without Honourable members, thank you for the
consultation. On top of that Onyuulaye opportunity once again. Before coming
is not even 10 or 15 Kilometres away to the budget allocation let me express
from Okankolo Constituency towards my appreciation and acknowledge the
another Senior Secondary School which improvement done this year by the
has just been established and its Ministry Education on admission of
operational called Ongudi. Meanwhile learners. Many if not all of the students
Olukonda Constituency is isolated were accommodated, hopefully next
without any Senior Secondary School year a lot will be done to accommodate
and is having six schools which are all of them. I would also express my
having Grade 10s and can also appreciation concerning the new
accommodate learners from Okatyali secondary schools constructed at
and Uukwiyu in the Oshana region. Can Ondope. Thank you very much for that.
the Minister of Education explain and
give the Olukonda community a peace of Comrade Chairperson of the whole
mind? House Committee, there is an increase in
the budget of 2006/07. I am referring to
My other concern is over the statement the Ohangwena region especially in the
made by the Honourable Minister of subdivisions remuneration and other
Education at the beginning of this year related personal expenditures. Thank
that no child should be turned away if you Comrade Minister, Deputy Minister
his/her parents/guardians are unable to and the entire staff in the Ministry of
pay for school fees, examination and Education for the increment.
59
However, as far as provisioning of required to take action and address the
primary education budget is concern, backlog.
there is no change in comparison with
last year. It is the same allocation for Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
material and supply (I am referring to members, today we are complaining that
stationery, consumable and inventory our children are leaving primary
items) and also the utilities like water, education without knowing how to read
electricity and telephone services as it and write, but the truth is we are not
was for the 2005/06 budget despite the investing sufficiently in their education
increase of enrolments at primary level. at primary level. The fact that they are ill
prepared at primary education level they
Allocation for Ohangwena this year, find it very difficult to cope when they
material and supply is N$352 675. get into secondary education of which
Utilities are N$588 191. This regional the results are dismal failure. More
enrolment stood at 86 411 learners in the schools are still needed especially in the
year 2005 of which 66 248 were primary Eenhana Constituency like Omeva taa
education learners. This year the total hekele and Ondulinawa. These schools
enrolment in Ohangwena region stands were supposed to be established in the
at 87 450 learners of which 67 982 are budget of 2000/01 but until now it is not
primary education learners, and increase known what happened. Hopefully the
of 1734 primary education learners is consideration is still there. People were
compared to that of last year. Now if the told that regions should budget, but with
allocation in material, supply and also in the three-year rolling budget system we
utilities was not enough to cater for have in our country there is no such
primary education learners in 2005/06, thing as budgeting by regions. What is
how can the same amount of allocation happening is that people are just given
sufficiently cater for increased number an allocation and told to fit their services
of learners in 2006/07? This is my and needs in the allocated amount. If the
concern. allocated amount is not enough to cater
for your services and needs, then you
When you divide the amount allocated to must either sink or swim, but do not
Ohangwena region at primary education overspend, and everyone is blaming you
level with the total learners’ material and or her supervisor. As a Government we
utilities, it comes to N$50.00 for say every child of school going age must
stationery and N$8.00 for text book per be in school and stay in school until
learner. In the true sense of the word, he/she has finished primary school or
this is nothing. No text book can cost attend school until the age of 16. What is
N$50.00. This is one of many reasons the use of filling an empty chair with a
why we find five to ten learners sharing waiting child if the provision of basic is
a book in schools today. The money is lacking.
just not enough to buy books to
accommodate all learners in order for a Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
school to buy a text book for a particular members, the problem is not only with
subject; it has to put together this the Ohangwena region as I know, but
N$50.00 plus N$8.00. This problem has with the whole primary education in the
accumulated and the Government is whole country. With these remarks, I
60
humbly request the Ministry of Schools which offer up to Grade 10
Education to look into this matter. should be provided with electricity or
Children are the future of our generation solar power because nowadays most of
and if we fail to educate them, we are the teaching aids are power compliance
neglecting our nation. and at the end of the day all Grade 10
learners do write the same examination,
Thank you very much Comrade be it that they are at Onkumbula
Chairperson. Combine School in Okankolo
Constituency or they are at Windhoek
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you High School in Khomas region. Parents
Honourable Nhinda. Honourable and teachers should redouble their
Kankoshi you may take the floor. efforts of mutual cooperation and trust in
order to seriously mould and educate the
MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you once future leaders of this nation, because the
again Comrade Chairperson of the whole future of any country that seeks to
House Committee and Honourable achieve economic development and
members. My contribution will be short social progress depend on the people
and I rise to support Vote 10. First I who are educated, informed and skilled.
would like to quote from the Swapo
Party Election Manifesto of 2004 pg 29 Having said those concerns Comrade
which states: “The Swapo Party Chairperson of the whole House
Government has over the past 14 years Committee, I support the Vote and I
ensured that this sector receives the thank you.
largest share of the State budget.
Increased expenditure was also VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
considered necessary because of the Honourable Kankoshi. Honourable
massive inherited inequity in the Sibiya you have the floor.
provision of education facilities…
unequal investment in the infrastructure MS SIBIYA: Thank you Honourable
facilities such as the lack of libraries, Chairperson, I stand to share the same
laboratories, play grounds, etc. in sentiments as my colleague. I would like
schools for previously disadvantaged to congratulate the Minister of Education
Namibians”. Comrade Nangolo Mbumba and his able
Deputy Comrade Becky Ndjoze-Ojo for
A lot is still to be done when it comes to their dedication and commitment. The
education in the remote rural areas Swapo Party Election Manifesto of 2004
where there are still children being states: “The education sector will for the
taught in shades. School libraries and considerable time to come remain a top
laboratories are not available. Qualified priority for the Swapo party. The quality
teachers in the remote rural areas are of education will continue to be
very few due to the lack of decent living improved with a view to meet the
accommodation. Therefore, we should demands of the labour market and to
tackle this inherited inequity in the enhance the youth and the application of
provision of education facilities in the technology and industrialization. It is
previously disadvantaged Namibians this sector which should shape and
together with the united teams. transport Namibia into knowledgeable,
61
proud, self-respective and dignified are not getting the prescribed hours, but
nation”. we thank the teachers that they could
give their time to accommodate our
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable children in schools.
members, with the education, there has
been improvement in the infrastructure The following new schools were
and several reforms have been approved from the emergency funds:
introduced to improve access, equity and 1. Havana Primary School
efficiency in the system. However, in 2. Khoriangab Dam Primary
some regions improvement is still School,
needed for example in Khomas. If I talk 3. Khoriangab Junior Secondary
about Khomas people think Khomas is School
having all the diamonds of the country. 4. Eldorado Junior Secondary
In Khomas the learners’ growth is School
increasing for the past three years. In
2003 the growth rate was at 1041 with Additional funds of fifteen million
74 schools and by 2006 the growth was (N$15 000 000) is still needed to
up to 4788 with 78 schools. So there complete all the phases including
were only two schools within three years furniture and human resources.
until where we are standing now. It has
indicated that the demand in Khomas There are other suburbs identified in the
region to education increases annually. regions for construction of 9 schools in
This state of affairs results in the coming five years to prevent or to
overcrowding the schools with the avoid the crisis. The current budget
learners to the extent that teachers could allocation will not be able to address the
not be able to teach effectively with the crisis experienced in the region due to
limited resources and the regional the unlimited uncontrolled growth of the
performance is affected. The budget City of Windhoek. The influx in the city
needs to be increased to cater for the is beyond control. The freedom of
regional increasing needs. As the learners’ movement from one region to
region’s needs increase, it should be another contributes to poor planning and
increased also. Schools were not built implementation.
for the past three years due to the delay
in the implementation of projects at the Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Ministry of Works. School constructed members, it is recommended that
during 2005 and 2006 are still under educational programmes on NBC need
construction as first phase was only to be created that will educate the nation.
approved after the crises have been Secondly, under performing staff
experienced at the beginning of this members must be taken to task with
year. immediate effect in order to improve on
service delivery. Lastly and importantly,
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable I am requesting the Regional Council to
members, afternoon classes were opened take over the tender documentation,
in order to accommodate the situation at renovation budget from the Ministry of
hand. Some of the activities like sports Works with immediate effect. If we are
are difficult to perform as the teachers prepared to develop the regions and the
62
nation at large, it will make it easier for sixteen years of independence we still
controlling and monitoring purpose. have learners being taught under trees? It
That is only if we want to make Vision is so disturbing that there is a big
2030 a reality. disparity between rural and urban
schools. I know we are talking of
With these few remarks, I support Vote resources, but do we have enough
10, Education and I thank you. suitable personnel to manage these
resources? I am aware that a lot has been
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you done to improve education and training
Honourable Sibiya. Next is Honourable of our teachers but much have not
Mwilima. changed for the benefit of our learners.
Do we have the committed staff to be
MR. MWILIMA: Thank you Comrade entrusted with this noble task? Are our
Chairperson of the Committee of the teachers being well looked after in terms
whole House, Honourable members of of basic necessities such as shelter?
this august House. First let me Housing is a problem in our schools. In
congratulate the Minister of Education the Caprivi region I am aware of schools
for tabling this Vote, and I thank you which have been flooded just recently
also for giving me this opportunity. One such as the Sachona Primary School in
of the great African State man once the Linyanti Constituency. The teachers
remarked: “Education is the greatest at that school up till now, I don’t know
weapon we have against poverty”. It is a how far it has gone, but their houses
fact that the future of this country lies in have been flooded, yet we expect the
education. same teachers to do well in classes the
next morning. The same problem applies
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable to the Sibbinda Sikosinynana Senior
members, this comes at the time when Secondary school. There are poor houses
the nation is seriously debating on how in most rural areas. The schools as far as
to improve our education system. It is Muziima, Huldu and Ikwena Combine
satisfying to note that we continue to Schools, you can go and visit them, their
give the biggest share to this Ministry houses are in terrible situation. When it
and I think this is in the right direction. rains, these teachers cannot even go into
those houses.
However, my concern as much as I am
aware of the scarce resources versus our Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
unlimited needs, my main focus is to be members, the regions have been
able to put our priorities right. Have we performing fairly well in the past but of
really improved the education of the lately it has been performing poorly.
rural young child as far as regions such What amazes me is that at those times
as Oshana, Karas, Kavango or major when we did not do well there were a
Caprivi region just to mention a few. I big number of unqualified and under
am glad that many stakeholders have qualified teachers. On the contrary,
been participating in discussions to today the region boasts high number of
improve our education because I believe qualified teachers and doing badly. Then
this must be a team work and not only there must be something wrong not with
the Ministry of Education. Why, after the system but with ourselves. Now we
63
have qualified teachers in place yet they because our learners lay an inch. If some
are not producing. The teachers we were of these subjects could have been our
saying were not qualified are now vernacular languages the children could
producing. There is something wrong understand it and even do better than
with us, otherwise we are just getting they are doing. So, also the medium of
those qualifications but we are not instruction as English must be
committed to the work. As a former considered that would help us a lot.
teacher I am aware of some of these
things. One of the problems I have noticed in
the Caprivi region, perhaps it has
As much as I believe in improving our happened all over the country is the
training, it does not help to train a down grading of some of the schools. It
teacher who is not committed to his is a problem because some learners are
work. I am not saying that all of our forced to drop out of schools because
teachers are not committed. I am aware they cannot get the grades at a nearest
of some of the teachers who are really school so they have to go to a far area.
hardworking and committed to their So, walking from the village to that area,
work. Something which need to be they can’t afford. This has caused
considered, let us look after our teachers problems and I think the Ministry must
and those who are producing good re-look at these issues. We have a
results need to be rewarded, be it in serious problem in this regard. I know of
promotion or what have you. schools which have been degraded such
as Lyashulu in the Linyanti
Honourable members, the teaching field Constituency. Learners have to walk
is one of the intelligent promotions. We from Lyashulu to Sauzuo and it is a long
have teachers who were doing well for distance. Machita Combine School is
the past 15 years with no promotion and degraded, Lizauli is degraded. I am just
that in it self is discouraging that mentioning a few but there are a lot of
individual. There are hardworking them.
teachers.
In conclusion, it is clear that there are
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable three stakeholders in the education of a
members, the teaching of critical child. There is a learner, the teacher and
subjects, not only in the region but in the the parent. The three need to work hand-
country need to be addressed seriously. in-hand and there must be a good
There are very few schools offering working relationship between all of
Science subjects such as Mathematics, them. Otherwise, once there is a break
Agriculture, Physical Science, these up somewhere we will have a problem.
subjects need to be seriously addressed
in our schools. I have realised that the I will fail in my duty if I will not
medium of instruction as English is one mention something on the discipline of
of the serious problems we have in our our learners at schools. There is a saying
schools. As an English teacher I am that charity begins at home. It is
aware that most of our schools will leave disturbing that some of these learners do
the English teaching just to an English not even respect their own parents. How
teacher which disturbs the whole system do you expect such a learner to come
64
and respect a teacher? These are issues remote administration. I would cite an
which we need to go down and address. example of my own region Omusati
which is administered from Ondangwa.
Having said that, I support the Vote and With this allocation I would like to see
I thank you very much. the Minister of Education making sure
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you that all the necessary arrangements for
Honourable Mwilima. Honourable the reallocation of education would be
Katoma you may take the floor. stationed in the region assigned.
MR. KATOMA: Thank you very much With these few remarks, I support Vote
Honourable Chairperson of the 10. I thank you.
Committee of the whole House and
Honourable members. I stand to support VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Vote 10 with the allocation of N$3 192 Honourable Katoma. This House is full
081 000.00 to Education. of many former teachers. Therefore, I
hope you don’t mind Honourable
Comrade Chairperson, at every Appollus since you are the professor that
beginning of the school calendar we I will first give the floor to Honourable
experience a big number of pupils who !Gobs and the professor will conclude.
could not get places at schools and more
especially in rural areas to secondary MR. !GOBS: Honourable Chairperson,
schools and tertiary education especially Honourable members of this House,
for Grade 10 and 12 as well as for “education for all” and “education is the
special education. The fact that those key to success”, with these two very nice
institutions became too small compared wordings, I am wondering where are we
to the population group has the need to heading too with the education system
increase the capacity at both secondary whenever we read the final examination
schools and tertiary education, to be able results of Grade 10s and Grade 12s
to accommodate more of the learners every year? Is it impossible that we
and students who normally walk around cannot detect the problem within the
in search for schools time and again. education system after 16 years of
independence? I really do not want to
With this, I would like to note that with blame anyone. I think we have to put the
the allocation of some funds for the blame on ourselves as leaders, parents
construction of plus/minus 21 secondary and managers of the education systems
schools countrywide and the upgrading as we maybe do not lead the people in
or extension of colleges in this financial the right direction. Maybe the parents do
year and other financial years, the issue not discipline their children and the
of insufficient space in our schools will school management starting from the
be alleviated. principals to the teachers at some
schools are not doing their job.
Comrade Chairperson, in order to ensure
proper administration for our education Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
system we must ensure that all the members, the other thing which must be
regions’ education offices are residing looked into is the planning process at the
within the regions of operation to avoid regional level. Because projects planned,
65
evaluated and tested are not which leads to over-crowding in
implemented because of the cutting on classrooms and hostel rooms. If you look
the earmarked amount, and if it happens at the three-year rolling development
that funds are available, than there are budget you can’t see any allocation for
delays from the Ministry of Works these mentioned schools and hostels,
within the processing of tenders, maybe the Director and Education
requisitions and orders. Can these two planners in Kunene region do not have
Ministries please work out mechanisms eyes to see these things.
how they can smoothen the processing
of the above-mentioned documents. The Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
allocated amounts of N$564 187.00 for members, other disturbing thing is that
the renovations and the N$358 431.00 someone else who do not know, see and
for capital projects for the vast regions feel your problems and needs are doing
like Kunene needs much to be desired the planning on your behalf, I mean for
because these amounts will only cater the region. You must just comply with
for minor renovations and capital what you have received because these
projects at one or two schools. If we people are cutting heavily on the
need to create conducive environment requested amounts. It is why the
for the learners and teaching staff then planners are not doing anything as they
we must plan in order to give proper cannot operate within the limited
housing to teachers and nice classrooms resources like the peanuts which have
to learners, enough text books, chairs, been given to the great Kunene region
tables and then maybe we can see the on renovations’ capital project. I will
changes in the education system as they propose that the regions be given at least
will be enjoying the conducive half of the needed amount so that they
environment. It is a pity that at some achieve their goals.
regions children has to walk long
distances to attend schools or some Lastly Honourable Chairperson,
teachings are still taking place under Honourable members, it is my believe
trees, which we can resolve only if all that soon with the additional budget the
have equitable shares from the cake. Ministry of Finance will look into the
areas where the regions are requesting
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable for more funds that the projects be
members, within the Khorixas implemented. I support Vote 10 and I
Constituency only to mention but a few, thank you.
Braunfels Agricultural High, Abraham
Gariseb Primary School (Ani ab), Jakop VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Basson Combine School (Bergsig) and Honourable !Gobs. I shall now give the
Frans Fredericks Primary School at floor to Honourable Appollus.
Fransfontein, the infrastructure at those
schools and hostels are in a very bad MR. APPOLLUS: Comrade
stage. No window panes, no doors, Chairperson, Honourable members of
classes and dormitories burn down at the House of Review, it is sometimes
some, roofs blown away, not enough very difficult to be the last speaker on a
chairs and tables at schools and not certain issue. Now you are expecting me
enough mattresses at schools and hostels to summarise, leave out some things, and
66
in most cases you are getting tired as it nation that the National Education
may be. system can be successful. By allocating
such a generous amount the
First of all I stand to support Vote 10 on educationists are not forced to deliver
Education. Allow me to thank this the goods. At the beginning of this year
House for giving me the opportunity to the Ministry of Education was attached
add my voice in the support of the from all sides and everybody blamed the
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]. I didn’t Ministry of Education for poor planning,
have a chance before it. I would like to poor results, poor system, poor
congratulate the Honourable Minister of administration, name it and you have
Finance for a job well done. The them. I am humbly asking the teachers
approach of “pro-poor and pro-growth” not to carry the burden of self blame
is really worth mentioning although anymore and also the Minister, but to
many of us are still wondering what the proof to everyone that they are willing to
outcome of such an approach will be. I put in more efforts to reach the ultimate
have tried and I am still trying to grasp goal that is to teach and lead the youth of
all the information contained in those this country to become successful and
hefty and heavy documents. As an worthy citizens of Namibia.
apprentice I find it difficult to glean
meaningful conclusions. I am sorry to Furthermore Comrade Chairperson,
admit such shortcomings, but all of us Honourable members, I would also like
are not monetary experts. These, and to thank the Honourable Minister of
other, are the main reasons why I will Education for his positive approach to
restrict myself only to certain items these so-called weaknesses as advocated
which I am more concerned and more by the prophets of doom. There is hope
knowledgeable about. for better days in education if we
consider the measures and mechanisms
The Ministry of Education had been put in place to ensure success at the end
allocated the biggest chunk of the of this year. Keep up and the good work
National Budget to the astonishing Honourable Minister and members of
amount of about N$3.2 billion or 26 per your Ministry and all the teachers in
cent. But now we must remember that Namibia.
N$2.2 billion of that will go to salaries
of teachers and now we are crying about Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
the operation costs. Only 1 per cent is members, allow me to come back to
left for operational activities. basics. Let me touch on a few issues
regarding the great Karas region. It is a
Thank you very much Honourable well-known fact that the region is
Minister of Finance for showing the blessed with abundant natural resources,
commitment of your Ministry and of this but with less skilled human resources. I
Government in such a way. Honourable am humbly asking the Minster of
Minister I salute you for taking such a Education Honourable Nangolo
brave step against all odds by allocating Mbumba to look down to the farthest
almost N$3.2 billion to education. The Southern part Namibia. Honourable
funds now will be in the hands of the Minister, what we need in the Karas
Ministry of Education to proof to the region is an institution of high education.
67
But first of all I must warn the Minister 2005/06 fiscal year, building only started
as I have warned His Excellency our only this year 2006. The Ministry of
President Hifikepunye Pohamba, we Works needs to be reprimanded as it
have presented him with a pair of Nama hampers development. Part of the
skoene (Nama shoes). In the speech I Suiderlig Hostel has been closed for the
warned him “please your Excellency do past five years because the maintenance
not put them on because they have been budget cannot accommodate these
witched, you will never stay away from renovations. More should be done to
the Great Karas region again”. I am now maintain the current infrastructure.
warning the Minister, I am inviting him
but he must be warned, he will come Honourable Chairperson, the last one has
again and again for which we will be become a white elephant and a financial
very grateful. embarrassment to the Ministry and the
Karas Educational Region. We all know
As you well know and it’s a fact, the what happens to unused buildings. I can
annual results of our region is the best in also name another school at Kosis (a
the whole of Namibia, and it’s true, but little village in the South near Bethanie)
these highly committed learners and which has not been utilized as from
students are very much neglected. After 2005/06. The Ministry must try to
passing Grade 12 these young people renovate and utilize these buildings to
become “lives drop-outs” not “school the best of the people of the South. I
drop out”. As they cannot be humbly ask the Honourable Minister to
accommodated at the institutions of start with at least a technical school at
higher learning, they just roam the Kosis because those buildings are just
streets; they become the burden of the standing there. These buildings can be
communities, parents and to everyone. used for a world wide purpose.
Allow me to bring only two more
operational problems under the attention Honourable Chairperson, members, with
of the Honourable members. These are these few words I support Vote 10 and I
urgent problems which the office of the thank you.
Karas Educational Region face daily and
which make their work and operations VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
almost totally unachievable. Honourable Appollus. Any further
discussion? Honourable Deputy
Currently the whole Karas Educational Minister, you don’t want to say
Region does not have one single anything? You will come you’re your
Government vehicle to execute its Ministry’s Vote is coming on.
duties. The race vehicle can only be used Honourable members, I shall report
for HIV/Aids related issues. For the past progress and seek leave to sit again.
two years construction money budgeted Thank you. Honourable Chairman, I
went back to Treasury because the wish to report progress and seek leave to
Ministry of Works caused delays. Again sit again.
the old story we have already heard, all
of us blame the Ministry. The Lüderitz CHAIRMAN: Leave is granted. You
Secondary school is bustlingly full and may take the seat Honourable member.
although money was allocated during the That was the order of the day. Is there
68
any other business? Allow me to give tomorrow it will do justice. And
you some announcements or reminders. members, I don’t know if it is only me
The meeting with GIPF is at 14:30 in the who has got it for the first time. Then if
Blue Room. What I also have here is the we get it today we will have part of the
meeting with the National Assembly afternoon to go through it and we will
members at 15:30. Those are those are know what we are going to say.
the notices.
CHAIRMAN: Or if not possible,
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Comrade another week. Good. Let’s try that. The
Chairman, Honourable members, I wish floor is also yours. Could you please
to take the opportunity to request this adjourn the House Honourable Chief
august House to postpone the meeting Whip?
with the National Assembly for
tomorrow because we have a long MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
afternoon today with GIPF and we Comrade Chair, with that very patriotic
cannot with the right intent say that we concurrence, this august House stands
will finish on time. So, can we request adjourned until tomorrow 09:30. So I
them to come to the National Council? move.
CHAIRMAN: Shall I ask Honourable CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
Vice-Chairperson to take up this issue objection? Agreed to. The House stands
with Honourable Kasingo and rearrange? adjourned until tomorrow 09:30 sharp.
I tried but they said it is not possible. I
think probably you would turn the arm. I COUNCIL ADJOURNED
tried myself this morning, because you
see these people notified us 14 days ago
about this meeting. GIPF came only
after we requested them and their date
only came recently. So, we cannot push
the reason forward for the older one.
Let’s try to do justice to both. One hour
of discussion with the Pension Fund
could be enough. If it is not enough we
could request additional time. Yes, Chief
Whip.
MR. HAKAYE: Comrade Chairperson,
with due respect, I think as I have seen
the motion, although I did not yet gone
through it, that we would like to discuss
with the colleagues from the National
Assembly, it is something a little bit big.
For us to do justice to it, I would like to
join my colleague that, why don’t we
just rearrange it? Although we have
caucus tomorrow but maybe at 14:00
69
COUNCIL CHAMBER CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
objection? Agreed to. You may table
WINDHOEK your motion. Any further notices of
17 MAY 2006 motions? The Secretary will read the
order of the day.
The Council met pursuant to
adjournment. FIRST ORDER READ:
The Chairman took the Chair.
Prayers and Affirmation. SECRETARY: Debate on Committee
Stage – Appropriation Bill [B.2 –
CHAIRMAN: Good morning 2006].
Honourable members. Any petitions?
Any reports of Select Committees? Any CHAIRMAN: It is moved that I leave
reports and papers? Any notices of the Chair. Who seconds? Any objection?
motions? Honourable Chief Whip. Agreed to. The Vice-Chairperson of the
Council and Chairperson of the
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much Committee of the whole House will now
Comrade Chairman. I hereby move a take the Chair. Honourable Mensah-
motion without notice that proceedings Williams you may now take the Chair.
on Votes 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006] be in VICE-CHAIRPERSON: The
accordance with Rule 15(3) of the Committee of the whole Council is
Standing Rules and Orders of the called to order. Good morning
National Council not be interrupted if Honourable members. We shall proceed
still under consideration at 13:00. So I with our Votes. I shall now put Vote 11,
move. National Council – N$26 730 000.00.
Any discussion? Honourable Shangheta.
CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
objection? Agreed to. Honourable MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
member you may table the motion. Any much Comrade Chairperson of the
further notices of motions? whole House Committee. Honourable
members, I rise here today to register my
MR. HAKAYE: Yes. disappointment with the budgetary
allocation to the National Council. In his
CHAIRMAN: Continue please. speech to motivate Vote 11 of the
National Council for the Financial Year
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you Comrade 2006/07, the Speaker of the National
Chairman, Honourable members once Assembly Honourable Theo Ben Gurirab
again, I move that on Wednesday, May stated that the National Council’s short-
18 2006, I shall move the Report of the term and long-term objectives which
National Council Standing Committee of includes:
Privileges on the non-compliance with
the provisions of the Code of Conduct 1. Enhance the capacity of
by Honourable S Mogotsi, Honourable L members of Parliament to
Kavetu and Honourable T Diergaardt. So effectively review Bills
I move. referred to the National
70
Council by the National public input into the law making
Assembly; process.
2. To increase the level of - Undertake study visits to other
interest of the broad public in parliaments and participate in
participating parliamentary regional and international
activities. parliamentary activities.
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members, I have also noted that one of members, to my dismay, the budgetary
the two programmes contained in the allocation of N$ 26 730 000 means that
National Council Medium Term Plan is the institution is grossly under funded.
“strengthening parliamentary For example, each National Council
democracy”. This programme entails the parliamentary Standing Committee was
creation of awareness and generation of allocated N$60 000 for both domestic
interest in the activities of the National and foreign travel which is obviously too
Council by the citizens. little to allow such committees to
function.
The programme also intents to allow
members of the National Council to take The allocation to the travel Vote of the
part in international parliamentary National Council is pathetic, it is
activities and to undertake study visits to disabling others than enabling and do not
other parliaments in order to learn and match efforts needed to allow passage of
gain experiences from others. The laws which will serve the interest of the
National Council has a constitutional Namibian people. Such little allocation
mandate to decide its oversight function. will negatively affect the work of the
In so doing, this House has established National Council. It will paralyse this
six (6) parliamentary Standing institution, will have a long term
Committees. consequences and will compromise the
check and balance system and ingredient
- Members of Parliament serving for good governance.
in those committees require
training in order to become The other factor constraining our
effective in their performances. committee services is lack of secretarial
- Committees also need to travel in staff. Imagine one committee clerk is
the country to carry out responsible for serving two
investigation on matters of parliamentary Standing Committees
interest to the legislative sector. which means that only three committees
- From time to time, committees can undertake a mission at the same time
undertake familiarization trips and that impact negatively on the
countrywide to develop better production of the committee reports.
perspective of the country as well What were the criteria used in deciding
as to engage into parliamentary such little money to be allocated to the
outreach programmes. National Council?
- Committees should also engage
members of public to solicit This to me amounts to collective
punishment for a crime that is not known
71
to me. To compare with our sister us have vast constituencies to cover as
House, the National Assembly which is well as long distances to travel and
allocated an appropriated amount of attend our parliamentary duties.
N$58 960 000, the allocation of the
National Council is 45 per cent to that of In conclusion Honourable Chairperson,
the National Assembly. If the National Honourable members, I would like to
Council is to perform its review state that the current situation should not
functions effectively and if Namibia has be allowed to continue, otherwise the
fully accepted a concept of bicameral existence of this very important House
system of Parliament, then consideration will lose its meaning and value.
should be made to allocate resources that
match what is allocated to the National With these, I end here and I thank you.
Assembly. As far as I am concerned,
resources allocated within Parliament VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
should reflect equal status of the two very much Honourable Shangheta.
Houses. Before we proceed, we wish to
acknowledge the presence of our
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable learners and teachers from the
members, the Parliament as a whole has Otjiwarongo Private School. You are
no research capacity. We are living in an most welcome in the National Council.
information era, but we particularly at In future you might be the ones sitting
the National Council have no proper on these chairs and discussing the budget
structured and functional research of the nation. You are most welcome.
component to assist members with Thank you very much for coming.
research work. Now the question is, how Having said that, I now call on
can we be expected to debate and take Honourable Chief Whip Hakaye to take
decisions with far reaching implications the floor.
on our society if we are being deprived
of the opportunity to receive timely and MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
accurate research information on topical Madam Chairperson, I rise equally to
issues of our concern? register the profound disappointed
Given the afore said state of affairs, I rendered to this august House by our
would like to recommend that at the time own senior colleagues. One will hardly
of budgetary preparation, “we” members understand what criteria in place made
of the National Council should be given use of to determine the budget of this
an opportunity to articulate our needs august House, and with the blessings of
and to make inputs in the budgetary all the stages that the budget has passed
process affecting our performance at the through.
Parliament. We can do this by meeting
with the Minister of Finance before the Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
budget is dealt with by technocrats. members of this august House, years in
and years out we have been singing one
I am also recommending that serious and the same song that democracy
consideration should be given to the should not be compromised and by
introduction of a car scheme to members allocating such amount to the august
of Parliament. This is because some of House that is charge with the review, the
72
oversight and the involvement of the a constitutional set up that the
public (the people of Republic of Parliament of the Republic of Namibia
Namibia) to make and to own the Bills will be composed of two Houses; one
that we are passing here is really a initiate laws and one oversee and review
compromise of democracy. them. It is still standing there, but this is
another method of killing the other
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable House.
members, one should not expect this
august House to carry out its We believe since our chairperson is not
constitutionally charged responsibilities sitting in the Cabinet, is not part of the
one of which we are saying in this House Executive, there is no single person who
that we are not bringing parliament speaks for this august House. Then the
closer to the people. But we are actually Parliamentary Commission will sit and
bringing it to the people and with the create a platform by means of which the
people so that the people can claim two presiding officers of both Houses
ownership of the laws governing and can stand and speak for the Parliament
influence their day-to-day lives. But if as a whole, not for one House. If you
we are not able, I think that cannot be an look on the allocation giving to the
excuse enough to say to the people out Assembly, one would wonder what the
there that we are willing to come to you, Assembly is going to do with all this
we would love to accommodate your money. What is it going to do with it all?
feelings but unfortunately we regret we Three quarter of the Assembly is
cannot do so because the Council does members of the Executive. They have
not have money. Rather, it is the other got facilities through their ministerial
way around. You travel from all works bosses. Whenever they travel they don’t
of life, from all corners of the country use much of the money from the
and come to Parliament yourselves and Assembly. Now what is the logic behind
bring in your minds like it happened to the whole thing? The simple thing, the
the outspoken State Owned Enterprises. Commission that we are asking has
The public out there who are the real never been given a thought of. As a
owners of the funds that were result we are the victims. The Namibian
squandered around wanted to hear the Parliament and only the Parliament of
position of the Namibian Government on Namibia cannot [indistinct] to budget.
what is really happening and what is the Parliaments all over the country, the
Government going to say about that. I budget will not be effective and can be
think this august House was able to say send back by this august Review, but
it and I believe the public out there were even if you reject it here it make no
pleased. difference Honourable members. It still
goes its way because a decor was given
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable to it already. So, this is a wasting of
members, much of the technicality has time. The democracy of this country
been said by my previous speaker, but suffered the pardon. We cannot review.
all in all, we equally ask for the The committee that you are talking about
Parliamentary Commission to be in cannot carry out its activities and benefit
place. This Parliamentary Commission the public out there. Then our status of
will be responsible for both Houses. It is claiming the representation of the
73
community on the people that have sent which everyone else down there prays
us here will also be lost. We cannot “it is a very beautiful Constitution”.
claim that we are representing you when There are so many other things that we
we are not coming to you and informing can talk about if that renders the defeat
you of what is really transpiring. of democracy.
I wonder how many of the Namibian With these few observations and
people who are affected by the laws that remarks, Comrade Chairperson,
we are making here will have the Honourable members, I rest my case and
courage and means to travel down to the I leave the allocation of the National
Parliament of Namibia and say ``look Council to remain in the hands of those
our representatives can we have a talk, who made it, that it will work maybe the
can we say this and that``. They cannot, other way and democracy suffer the
even if they are willing to. They believe defeat in this country. Thank you so
we have representatives that we sent much.
there, we have the constituencies. We
cannot even move in the constituencies VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
because we are tied up in the regions Honourable Chief Whip Hakaye. I shall
with the same situation. now recognize Honourable Siwombe.
You may take the floor please.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, I think we do not only MS SIWOMBE: Thank you Comrade
recommend for a re-look of this, but we Chairperson, Honourable members. Let
further recommend that a Parliamentary me also join the other two comrades who
Commission be put up so that at least it spoke before me on this very important
will look into the interests and not only Vote of the National Council.
the budget. There are a lot of benefits
that members of Parliament cannot have I stand to support Vote 11 with N$26
because there is no one who is speaking 730 000, but I request that it should be
for them. Tale about the WASCOM increased because if you allow me
recommendation, how long has it been Honourable members to make
in place but what effects? There is no comparison between the back-benchers
one speaking for that. I read from the in the National Assembly who are 36
paper that the President has appointed a and the 23 members of the National
Commission to look into that Council, where I have already deducted
recommendation. But from what stage the three Deputy Ministers since they are
will it start is another question. Now if catered from their specific Ministries
one definitely looks into the whole and not from our budget. The difference
scenario of the allocation of the budget is only 12 MPs, but the difference in the
of the National Council and you ex- budget allocated to the National
politically look at it, one can easily Assembly is double the amount we
conclude that it is a bullet fired at the receive in the National Council.
National Council to finish it off the
ground so that it will maybe not do that. I should also draw the attention of
But the whole thing rest with the Honourable members, that the members
Constitution of the Republic of Namibia of the National Council are having
74
double responsibilities. The workload and they said that leadership of her
that we have in our constituencies, we quality should be taken care of very well
get less but we doubled the work. in Namibia otherwise the world will
offer them better opportunities.
Our Standing Committees like IPU,
CPA, PAP, just to mention a few, So, I am proud to be a member of the
Women meetings, capacity buildings, National Council because we have the
other meetings and seminars, reach on leadership quality to develop our people
certain problems in regions or in all regions to the best of our ability as
constituencies, all these things we need we state every morning during our
money for them. People back at our affirmation. The only thing that lack
respectful constituencies and within our capabilities is adequate
communities at large are thinking that resource allocation for all of us to
we as MPs are getting a lot of money execute our responsibilities efficiently
which is not the case. and effectively.
I recently retuned from the 114th IPU With these few remarks Comrade
Assembly where we were informed that Chairperson, Honourable members, I
some MPs in Africa region decides on support the Vote and looking forward to
their own salaries (packages), and some see an increment in the next Financial
are getting up to 10 000 US$ per month Year. I thank you.
which gives you about N$60 000.00. In
addition, they do have constituency fund VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
which we don’t have. It was my first Honourable Siwombe. Thank you also
time to attend the world body of for the compliment. I will now recognize
Parliament. Honourable Sibiya. You may now take
the floor.
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
members, Honourable Mensah-Williams MS SIBIYA: Thank you Honourable
a member of our House of Review was Chairperson, Honourable members of
spearheading the IPU Conference in her this august House, I rise to support the
capacity as Vice President of this World Vote and also to follow in the same
Body Parliament. She spearheaded this footsteps of my colleagues. I support the
Conference in the absence of Vote but I feel the allocated amount is
Honourable Ferdinand Casini of Italy inadequate.
who is the President of IPU.
Competently with vision and with the The National Council should be able to
capable leadership she displayed execute its duties effectively and
especially as a woman from Africa who efficiently and therefore the resources
put Namibia very high on the world will be needed to enable the Honourable
map. members to serve the people who elected
us diligently. However, it is worrying
I want to take this opportunity to that our budget has decreased while our
congratulate Honourable Mensah- workload has increased. This reminds
Williams for a job well done. All me of what His Excellency the President
delegates came to congratulate Namibia Comrade Hifikepunye Pohamba asked,
75
and I quote: “Are we planning to fail or will be able to convince the Ministry of
failing to plan”. The Standing Finance of our needs.
Committee had immense tasks to consult
the public in accordance with our With these few remarks, I support the
Constitution on Bills that touches the Vote and I thank you.
lives of the people concerned.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Honourable Sibiya. I now recognize
members, as members representing our Honourable !Gobs. You may take the
regions in this august House, we are floor Sir.
touched of planning our regional
development with our constituency MR. !GOBS: Thank you Honourable
members who know the needs of the Chairperson, Honourable members of
people on the ground. However, due to this House of Review. I am serious when
inadequate resources we fail our people saying that we must start now to review
at times because a very meagre amount the allocated amount to the National
has been allocated and cannot carry the Council and that we can proof that we
committees to function fully or are not only in this august House to
effectively. There is a need to increase rubber stamp things which already have
the amount of funds for IPU and CPA been decided upon.
since these are bodies where the World
Parliament and the Commonwealth With the discussion and concerns on the
Parliament networking make allocated amount we hope that the
commitments and resolutions, informed Ministry of Finance will seriously look
on world developments as well as into these concerns when consideration
reports on our activities. But due to the is done on the Additional Budget. Again,
lack of funds, we are always absent. my question still remains, why are we all
not involved in the budget process from
Honourable members, our august House the starting point to the end so that we as
is called in the Constitution as House of law makers avoid disappointments by
Review. We are understaffed and money only getting the budget from the people
to research domestically in order to who do not know our problems and
improve the quality of laws as well as needs?
coming up with private person’s Bill
since the community have come up with Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
the needs and demands. It is members, as a parliamentarian
disappointing as the resource allocation representing the people of Kunene
does not meet the envisaged output. region, I am limited within my scope of
work with this type of allocation as it is
For IPU, CPA, PAP, Observer Mission, too small to accomplish our national and
International meetings, domestic constituency goals and objectives.
exchange, research etc., I can mention Imagine, as a Chairperson of one of the
them, in order for us to start negotiation Standing Committees, we cannot fulfil
from a position of strength with our action plans because each committee
resources allocated and the programmes only gets N$60 000 which is not enough
we have to implement, it is only then we to do public hearings and not even to go
76
out to various institutions on enable the National Council to deliver
recommendation by the Speaker to do successfully. I thank you.
investigation on mismanagement on
public funds etc. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
very much Honourable Katoma. Any
With this unaccepted amount allocated further discussion? Honourable Ndemula
to the National Council it is the same you may take the floor.
that we have to turn down international
invitations because of lack of funds. This MR. NDEMULA: Thank you very
create bad image towards the members much Honourable Vice Chairperson of
of this respected House. the whole House Committee,
Honourable members of this august
Lastly, Honourable Chairperson, House. Much has been said about the
Honourable members, I rest my case by Vote under discussion. I support the
recommending that this amount be sentiments which were echoed by the
reviewed as a matter of urgency. I thank Honourable members.
you.
Honourable members, something
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you somewhere must be wrong, very terribly
very much Honourable !Gobs. I shall wrong, because the allocation to the
now recognize Honourable Katoma. National Council is too little. For the
past years the allocation was balancing
MR. KATOMA: Thank you very much between N$24 000 000 to N$26 000
for the floor. I stand to support Vote 11 000. I was wondering whether there are
the resolution that is the allocation of the no increases in solution of cost,
said amount to the National Council. increases of fuel, food and travelling.
The National Council as an Institution That is why I am saying something is
on its own; have to perform its tasks wrong or we may be on the wrong side
entrusted to it by the nation as stipulated on a wrong boat.
in the Constitution through different
ways, be it by public hearings or Honourable Vice-Chairperson, the
research so that when laws are reviews money is just not enough. Last year we
and passed it has to show that the laws received an amount of N$25 000 000
accommodates the wishes and which was also not enough. So, we had
aspirations of the nation at large. For this to stop some of the most important
House to carry out its tasks the National programmes on our agendas. We are
Council need funds, but looking at the expected to conduct hearings and to
very limited funds allocated in this meet our constituencies on the ground.
budget this House to me will experience This could not be done because of the
stagnation in its way during the process. allocation.
Therefore, I am against this background Honourable Vice-Chairperson, I
that I am appealing to the Honourable honestly and humbly request the office
Minister of Finance Honourable Saara of the Chairman and that of the
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to solicit some Secretary to urgently address this issue
dollars to supplement to this fund to as a matter of urgency. I am supporting
77
this Vote. [Laughter]. Honestly, I am by recruiting officials on a former
not supporting it. contract basis from November last year
to March this year to register orphans of
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Yes, it is the one parent at our constituency offices
Honourable member’s democratic right whereby many orphans started receiving
to express himself. You are protected their grants. That is a move in the right
Honourable member. direction. I would like to appeal to the
Ministry to consider recruiting
MR. NDEMULA: Because we will end permanent orphan registration officials
up at the same level as last year in not at our constituency offices. The number
carrying out our work. That is why I am of orphans is increasing everyday due to
requesting the office of the Chairman the high death rate which is being
and that of the Secretary to take up this experienced nowadays, by doing so the
issue with the Right Honourable Prime Ministry will be in line with the process
Minister and the Minister of Finance as a of decentralization.
matter of urgency.
Honourable Chairperson of the whole
I reset my case, thank you very much. House Committee, Honourable
members, most of the orphans are not
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you yet registered mostly in the remote rural
Honourable Ndemula. Any further areas. They are not benefiting from the
discussion? Any objection? I think grants entitled to them from the
Honourable Ndemula you have to object Government due to the fact that there are
since you don’t agree with the Vote few social workers; in Oshikoto region
unless you were just saying it. I am just there is only one social worker. So, the
trying to be procedural. line Ministry should look at this problem
of unregistered orphans seriously
MR. NDEMULA: No objection because grandparents mostly pensioners
Honourable Chairperson. are looking after these orphans are
always at our constituency offices
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Okay. Thank inquiring as to when these orphans
you. Since there is no objection, the would be registered in order for them to
Vote is agreed to. Honourable members, benefit like the others in other regions.
I shall now put Vote 12, Gender Affairs
and Child Welfare – N$150 788 000.00. Having raised these concerns, I support
Any discussion? Honourable Kankoshi the Vote and I thank you.
you may take the floor.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very Honourable Kankoshi. Now I recognize
much Comrade Chairperson of the Honourable Hakaye Chief Whip, you
whole House Committee and may take the floor.
Honourable members. I rise to support
the allocation made to Vote 12 which is MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
Gender and Child Welfare. First and Comrade Chairperson, members of the
foremost I would like to congratulate the august House for the opportunity. I want
line Ministry for taking an initiative step to register my unwavering support for
78
the allocation to Vote 12 – Gender and MR. HAKAYE: Next to every
Child Welfare which I think I have good successful man there is always a
reason to support looking into the dedicated lady. Nothing is said about
activities of this office relatively as the who is behind every failing man. Who is
budget constrains of the Government as behind that man? [Laughter]. It must
a whole. This Ministry is more than just also be catered for so that we know.
a Ministry of Gender and Children Now let us forge ahead on equal footing-
Affairs. This Ministry is faced with side
dramatic issues. Much of these dealings
are issues of orphanages, living with on and shoulder-by-shoulder. We can
HIV/Aids positively and above all the either fail or succeed together without
newly developed awareness campaign one behind the other.
towards achieving gender role in
political, economical and social On a more serious note Comrade
developmental issues and of course to Chairperson, Honourable members, this
change the impact of gender, cultural Ministry is being charged with the
and customary standings. I however do welfare/wellbeing of the young ones, the
not want to dwell much on the gender majority of which are being orphaned on
issues because countries have taken a a daily basis. This is more of a serious
political stand and for Namibia this is a matter. Here we need information
matter of commitment. sharing, coordinated efforts,
involvement of all stakeholders from the
The only thing maybe is for our women word “go” not like it is the case now.
appointed to higher level of The Ministry of Gender and Child
responsibilities to proof to the world that Welfare owns programmes, Ministry
“yes, here we come” and that we should Health and Social Service owns
not blame and always blame the failure programmes, some municipalities owns
on gender. Like now one can say I knew programmes, DAPP / TCLE or
this was going to fail because it is a lady. something of that kind owns
No, look at the circumstances programmes, Catholic Aids, ELCIN and
surrounding the failure or the purpose you have them all. There are
why a person failed or succeeded other independent programmes aimed at one
than judge him or her because of gender. and the same programmes. So, I believe
Gender does not need to play a role all that we can do and coordinate this
the times. Equally Comrade information. In education for instance
Chairperson, this is no more the time to some principals are sending children
blame men for being responsible for all back home who cannot pay school fees
failures for we had a notion that says or put on uniforms, yet there is no one
“behind every successful man there is who is taking care of them. They are
always a dedicated lady”. orphans, we are talking of orphans.
Some children are lucky to register for
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: As a instance with Catholic Aids Care and
correction Honourable member, not have their fees paid for, they get
“behind”, “next to”. uniforms and sometimes package of
books. But this is too limited to certain
79
small number. Then another maybe somewhere there, but you are sitting in
comes with his or her programme. the office telling us that you don’t
understand. Tell us if you don’t want to
I mean Comrade Chairperson, if we can work. We have some other people who
create a pool through which such can do the work. That is not your own
assistance can be channelled and have a making comrades. I think we must do
sort of uniformed decision on this so that something about that.
we can have everyone to these limited
resources that we are having being Lastly, Comrade Chairperson,
registered. I know for instance, as Honourable members, it is very difficult
Comrade Kankoshi has echoed that the to obtain all the necessary documents
register of a child who is a one sided required for these orphans to qualify for
orphan. If one puts some logic around the benefits even to register for pension
there, why not the one who is orphaned or something of that nature. The
on both sides? Because the one who is Ministry of Home Affairs’ officials in
having that parent, maybe that parent is their regions are kicking the
able to care, but the one who doesn’t at grandparents laud. The pension of the
all is left for further programmes. These elderly people is just being spent
social workers are not enough and it is between Civic Affairs offices and it is
an uneven programme. Some regions said “go and get that”, yet these people
have not even started like mine, I just should have known what will be the
heard about it this week. People at the answer and that answer should be one.
consistencies all over hear other regional Now those mothers and fathers of our
councillors making announcements that age are also creating a very unfavourable
the officer is at this point or that point. situation. For Namibians we can settle
What about our constituency? “No everywhere and there is no one who can
please wait”. You have no explanation to say “make love here and don’t make
offer. “This person is not yet trained or love there”. When you make love and
we don’t have that”. But we have one you get your baby and you sometimes
and the same Government. Why is it in get infected then you come home while
Oshana or in Omaheke? I think if these you are already exhausted. The point I
programmes are being coordinated, I want to make is that these grandparents,
think they will answer some of these mostly mothers do not have the details
questions and make some Honourable of who the mother or the father of that
Councillors victims of things that are not baby is. So, I urge the Ministry of Home
of their own making because no one can Affairs to make a unilateral decision or
understand you. You have your something. For these children to be best
constituency. Other constituencies are helped something must be put in place
saying the officers responsible for the so that we alleviate the burden, maybe
registration of orphans are at this point put the guardianship on our mothers.
in Ohangwena and everywhere, but not The mothers are running up and down.
in our region. “What are our councillors You can expect my aging mother to
doing?” Will we offer an answer on come from Okalongo to Katima Mulilo
that? Can you satisfy a person who is to find the father or the mother of the
asking that? It is the same Government child. This is not a way. You will not
that asks people to work and to do that even know where to go. These are
80
exactly things that are happening. I think that are coming under such situations. I
the Ministry of Home Affairs should think civic education should be carried
recognize these facts and put in place out and be part and parcel of the
something that can help out and alleviate Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare so
that. that at least a spirit of that kid not guilty
of anything be instilled in our minds for
Comrade Chairperson, with these I urge them to lead better lives. So is it equally
that we have to take the plight of to the principals of numerous schools
orphans as serious as it is. Other attitude that are sending children back home
that the Ministry of Gender and Child because of this and that? The policy of
Welfare can embark upon is also civic the Government is straight and clear that
education to educate the surviving parent “no Namibian child is qualified to be
or the guardian. Very bad words are send home because he or she cannot pay
being used towards those children. The school fees or school uniform”. The
child is guilty of nothing, but you as a teachers are already paid by the
mother or cousin seeing your sister or Government, books are provided by the
brother running around and you did not Government. Why do you send that
say anything to him her before, then child home? So the resources and
there is no point to say those words to assistance are being channelled. Those
that child. The child doesn’t know what schools can be paid for from those
happened. They find themselves in that channels if you coordinate those things
situation that they are orphaned. The so that at least we cannot make those
grandparents say “who is your mother, children suffer because of the creation of
who is your father” when they were others. The Government has taken
running around. In Oshiwambo they say: property of that.
“Onyoko nghengo vakala tatondaukaapa,
otaatondaukaashike nomouyuni-ye paife With these few remarks Comrade
mwetu kenyenako omayo apa. Chairperson and Honourable members, I
Kakongeni onyoko. Inda kombila ya wholeheartedly support this Vote and I
nyoko”. “Go to your mother’s graves”. thank you.
What is that? You are putting a stigma in
a child’s mind. You never know what VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
that child will become in life maybe Honourable Chief Whip for supporting
he/she will be wonderful not only to that the Vote. We have five minutes before
family but to this country. tea break. Honourable Nhinda if you
don’t mind, since you are a mother I
Please, coordinate and bring-up your would first like to give the floor to a
own child before they run into that so father so that you can conclude. The
that this offspring cannot be a victim of reason why I am saying this is because
the making of your own. If I am allowed yesterday I asked the professor to speak
to say, you are equally to blame because last. I want the gender expert to speak
the child was not there, you are the last to conclude.
parent and some of the parents are
saying “you are just here, your families MR. NDJAMBULA: I will be very
are coming from Walvis Bay or else``, brief Honourable Chairperson. Gender
but they don’t say anything about those and Child Welfare Vote is enjoying my
81
full support Comrade Chairperson.
However, the said Ministry should COUNCIL RESUMES
seriously look in to the possibility of
taking over kindergarten and its VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
caregivers if we are to do justice and to Honourable members. I hope you have
enhance, interact and stimulate the enjoyed your tea break and you are now
development capacity of our children energised to continue. I shall now call on
because the N$20.00 contributed by the Honourable Nhinda to proceed on Vote
community is unfair for all over 16 years 12.
or more.
MS NHINDA: Comrade Chairperson of
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable the whole House Committee,
members, this is the proposal I made last Honourable members, thank you very
year during the budget discussion. That much for giving me this opportunity to
means the Ministry should also seriously say something about the Vote under
look into the possibility of introducing discussion of our Ministry, the Ministry
funeral benefits for orphans and other of men and women. I thank the Minister
vulnerable children, because parents and and her staff for what they have done so
guardians of these children are always far.
knocking at our doors for assistance or
for coffins. Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, I want to bring to your
The last concern is the officials of this attention some of the problems, some of
Ministry based at Ondangwa in Oshana them are already said but I will repeat
region since independence, they are those that need to be addressed and if
there representing Oshikoto region and possible be solved. The Ministry has
they don’t have any transport to go introduced a good system of giving
around Oshikoto region from Oshana building material to the community to
region. They were supposed to initiate help kindergarten kids that are attending
community development projects. I am classes under trees. The Ministry gives
therefore calling on the Ministry to look cement which is used for making bricks
into the possibility of decentralising and for building which is a good thing,
these officials to the Regional Council but some of the community members are
office as a matter of urgency because abusing these material which are bought
most of the Regional Councillors are with Government money sometimes not
currently having offices where they are only in Ohangwena but in all regions.
operating from. Sometimes they let the cement expire or
they make bricks and leave them there
With these few concerns, I support the for months or years and they never use
Vote and I thank you. them.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Another thing is that these kindergarten
Honourable Ndjambula. We shall now buildings are being built by
break for tea until 11:05 and then inexperienced people and that is why
Honourable Nhinda will proceed on they get damaged easily and eventually
debating this Vote. break down. This is a waste of
82
Government money. I think what will be MR. HAKAYE: With due respect on a
nice is just to employ one experienced point of order. I think for record sake,
person who will be responsible for Honourable Madam is out of order, by
building all the kindergartens in the implying that today’s men are just there,
region. I think this will save the sit down and eat. It is not a good record.
Ministry’s money and allow them to If she can kindly withdraw that
reach their goals. statement. Thank you.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Overruled. I
members, kids who are finished with don’t think she has insulted men. It is the
their kindergartens always share African culture that men should be fed
problems of finding places to start Grade by women. Please proceed.
01. They can even stay without attending
school for two years. I am requesting the MS NHINDA: I think so Comrade
Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare Chairperson. I have just said that
and the Ministry of Education in regions because when it comes to omahangu
to work together and address these crusher you cannot see a man taking
problems. omahangu to the machine. Only women
can do that. [Interjections].
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, the money which is given to MR. NDJAMBULA: There, you are
the building project is not enough. Last wrong.
year the budget allocated to Ohangwena
region was N$82 100.00. People are MS NHINDA: No.
very much interested in starting projects
but the money is insufficient. People VICE-CHAIRPERSON: You are
want to employ themselves but there is protected Honourable Nhinda.
no capital to start with. Materials are
very expensive. Let me give you an MS NHINDA: Thank you very much
example of omahangu crusher. The Comrade Chairperson. People want to
diesel omahangu crusher machine is employ themselves but there is no
valued at N$26 000.00 and the one for capital. Let me give you an example of
electricity is N$37 000.00. According to that. Women want to employ and
that budget only two people are to empower themselves. [Interjections].
benefit. Omahangu crusher machine is a
good project, it helps women in terms of MR. NDJAMBULA: Not only women.
employment and also empowering them,
only women because they are the ones MS NHINDA: I am talking about
who are responsible for food, men are women. [Laughter]. I have learnt in
just eating. [laughter]. Ohangwena region that there are no
other active projects other than
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Sorry HIV/Aids support group. It means that
Honourable Nhinda, please sit down the Ohangwena region is left behind that
because a member has taken the floor. is why I want to bring to the attention of
Yes, Honourable Chief Whip. the Honourable Minister of Gender
Equality and Child Welfare to kindly
83
look into this matter. There is progress in MS NHINDA: I am from Ohangwena, I
the programme of orphans with one have to talk on behalf of my region. Yes,
parent but the problem is already I am talking about the budget of the
mentioned by Comrade Chief Whip. Our Ohangwena region. There is only one
daughters and sons of today are just social worker at Eenhana. Guardians
bringing children but they never know have to travel long distance to Eenhana
who the fathers or mothers of the and come back unattended. As other
children are. regions we are also in a big need of
social workers in our regions as other
MR. NDJAMBULA: How come? regions. The need of transportation is
also a burning issue in Ohangwena. This
MS NHINDA: They just know that I am Ministry is sharing a care with three
impregnated by Kaiser or the other name divisions and it is preventing them from
is Peter, but they don’t know where visiting the community. There are a lot
Peter is coming from. They don’t also of problems but I just mentioned a few.
know who the family of that Peter is. If
you ask them where they met he or she Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
just says “we met at Omega when I was members, I have a concern about
visiting my uncle”. marriage. I know it is a sensitive issue
that is why you Ndjambula is sitting
MR. NDJAMBULA: What do you quiet now. [Interjections]. For the sake
propose? of democracy, I have to say something
about this. Nowadays husbands and
MS NHINDA: I am proposing that if it wives are handling their marriages like
is possible to assist these grandparents somebody who is holding a scorpion just
just to use the death certificate instead of waiting for it to sting so that he or she
asking them the parents that left, to come can throw it away. Dear citizens,
and register their own children. This marriage is an arrangement made by
won’t work. I suggest that orphans who God.
have one parent left should be given a
chance to be registered. They just need MR. NDJAMBULA: By two people.
to have a death certificate of the diseased
parent. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Order please.
MR. NDJAMBULA: What if Peter died MS NHINDA: I have come across
in Angola? incidents that are the main cause of
divorce. People do not compromise
MS NHINDA: Orphans who do not within their marriages. I am not
have parents are in need of assistance. supporting those husbands who are
They need to be considered very beating, killing and all those things.
urgently especially in Ohangwena region Divorce is also adding up to poverty that
and in other regions too. we are already having in our country. I
am talking about marriage that is why
MR. HAKAYE: Why Ohangwena the men are making noises. We are
region? bringing up marriages ourselves.
Sometimes it is because of abuse which
84
is understandable. If somebody is gender some people regard it is a mere
abusing the other, then it is woman thing. Let me tell you that the
understandable if they are divorcing. Ministry of Gender Equality and Child
Most of the times divorce occurs Welfare is not just there to promote
because of hatred, greediness and the issues of women alone. In fact gender is
love for money. Divorce is also not about women neither is a
disturbing the children emotionally and synonymous with woman. It is of
their well-being. I am therefore concern to the whole society in all
appealing to all married couples to take institutions. Gender is a key to
care of their marriages and to maintain development factor. Any country that
peace and forgiveness within their seeks to achieve development and
houses. We must also warn our young democracy without addressing gender
ones, the future generation to avoid this issues set itself up for failure. I am
culture of being kept in a boyfriend or therefore talking about the issue which is
girlfriend’s house for certain days or of benefit to each and everyone of us.
months and after that be thrown away.
Honourable Chairperson, esteemed
One of the days they will also become fellow members, the Ministry of Gender
mothers and fathers and they will not Equality and Child Welfare has done an
like their daughters to be treated like excellent job to sensitise our people
that. Let me also request the nation to about gender issues for instance to stand
take serious steps against HIV/Aids and domestic violence by educating both
other preventable diseases. men and women. However, I should add
hastily that the war is not yet won. This
Comrade Chairperson, I have rest my war is being fought all over the world
case and Honourable Ndjambula enjoyed and not just in Namibia. Therefore, we
it. Thank you very much. [Laughter]. should not relent. The struggle should
continue. We need to identify our
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you campaigns throughout the country, in
Honourable Nhinda. Honourable communities etc. However, as human
Siwombe you may take the floor. Just be beings we should be competent in our
rest assured Dear Honourable Male, we work in order to succeed in these efforts
know that you are very gender sensitive hence to accomplish the job reasonable
in the National Council. amount of money is needed. If I am now
representing my region Kavango, the
MS SIWOMBE: Honourable Ministry of Gender Equality in my
Chairperson, esteemed fellow members, region is having a problem of transport
first let me applaud the Minister of in order to visit all the constituencies to
Finance Comrade Saara Kuugongelwa- disseminate information and also to
Amadhila for allocating a sizable make the public aware of their rights. In
amount of money to the Ministry of this office, they don’t even have
Gender Equality and Child Welfare to computers. They do have one old
the tune of N$150 788 000. This is an computer and even furniture they do not
indication on how a Swapo led have. We do have sub-offices at
Government attach great importance to Ndiyona, Mpungu and Mukwe, but those
this Ministry. When we talk about officers do not have resources to carry
85
out their duties. Imagine, they have to go operations could not allow them to
out to register the orphans and register all of them. Reasons being, it
vulnerable children. I mean without was only one person from the Ministry
money. They need money for transport of Gender Equality and Child Welfare
to hold workshops in order to uplift the who has done all these registrations in
level of competency of the staff and to the whole of Kunene region. The region
improve staff employment conditions is divided into two parts namely Kunene
and to pay them living wages which also North in Opuwo constituency, Epupa
attracts qualified and suitable staff. and Sesfontein constituencies; and
Therefore, I appeal to the Minister of Kunene South is Outjo, Khorixas and
Gender Equality and Child Welfare to Kamanjab. It is only 883 orphans who
take into consideration the factors I are already registered for the orphan
mentioned when dividing the cake. grants in the whole region with its six
Vision 2030 can only be realized constituencies. I would therefore like to
through strengthening the Ministry of request the same Ministry to recruit at
Gender Equality and Child Welfare with least one person who will operate in
dedicated men and women in this Kunene South while the already
country. recruited one will work Kunene North so
that the operation will be better than ever
Comrade Chairperson, with these few before. Meanwhile, within a few years to
remarks, I now rest my case and I thank come the Ministry has to recruit four
you. more people each one to operate in one
constituency so that there will be
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you tremendous achievement for this issue.
Honourable Siwombe. I now recognize
Honourable Kavetu. You may take the Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
floor. members of this august House, with
these few words I support the Vote and I
MS KAVETU: Thank you Honourable thank you.
Chairperson, Honourable members of
the National Council. I am honoured to VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
be given an opportunity to extend my very much Honourable Kavetu. Any
word of thanks to the Ministry of Gender further discussions? It seems that the
Equality and Child Welfare Honourable Honourable men forget that if the
Marlene Mungunda and her Deputy Honourable Queens are having the floor
Minister Honourable Angelika they allow them to finish peacefully. I
Muharukua for a great job they have am very happy to see that you are
done on trying to register all the orphans praising the queens. Any further
for the orphan grants in the whole region discussion? Any objection. The Vote is
of Kunene. agreed to. Honourable members, I shall
now put Vote 13, Ministry of Health and
Honourable members of the House, I Social Services – N$1 373 496 000.00.
would like to state it clearly what I Any discussion.
meant by saying “trying to register all
the orphans”. They have tried the best of MS SIBIYA: Thank you Honourable
their ability to register them all, but their Chairperson, Honourable members for
86
allowing me to contribute to this Government puts emphasis on
important Vote. Before I proceed I prevention as much as possible.
would like to congratulate the Minister
of Health Comrade Dr. Kamwi and his Concerning health facilities and outreach
able Deputy Comrade Petrina Haingura services in Khomas. I think the Khomas
and the general management cadre for region is doing well, but due to the
their hard work and dedication under influx to the city and the growth of the
difficult circumstances. As people’s population they make provision for two
likes and well-being are entrusted in clinics which are currently in the process
their hands. The provision of health to be constructed and that is at Ombili
services in Namibia is split between and Goreangab Dam. The Ministry is
Government mission and private sector always trying to be a step ahead.
whereby the biggest percentage of 70 to Congratulations to the Ministry of
75 is Government and 15 to 20 is Health. It pleases me to see that there is
mission and 5 per cent private. The an increase in the intake of medical
policy framework for long-term National personnel in different fields, but besides
Development Vision 2030 ensures that the efforts the Ministry is doing to
all Namibians have equitable access to ensure training and capacity building at
high quality and affordable healthcare all levels, these efforts and dismantled
services. Good health infrastructure, by mushrooming of private health
equitable distribution and being sectors which is in every corner in
supported by adequate human material almost every region. In Khomas region
and financial resources. there is an upcoming private health
facility to be constructed somewhere
Namibia has a very small population of here in Windhoek West similar to the
1.8 million if not 2 million with a growth one in Ongwediva. Also another private
rate of 3 per cent. My biggest concern is maternity hospital is to be built here in
the HIV/Aids pandemic and other life Windhoek. Then we must guess where
threatening diseases like malaria, TB, these recourses are coming from. Of
cancer etc. These diseases are course from the Ministry of Health,
preventable as well as childhood training on the expenses of the
diseases through sustain immunisation Government and then later people are
campaigns at hospitals, health centres, pointing fingers and throwing stones at
clinics mobile clinics. As we are all the Government complaining that the
aware that the Ministry of Health is Government is rendering poor services
having a yearly campaign and it has and they are experiencing shortage of
started last year which is done twice personnel because they can’t pay the
within 12 months. So, we are well people while they are the ones causing
protected with these preventable the Government services to deteriorate.
diseases. In the meantime the Ministry is used as a
pool to get the already trained and
Thanks to the Ministry for putting this experienced nurses to attract them with
structure in place and qualified human high salaries without a full benefit. This
resources. We believe that improved is what is presently happening.
health promotes socio-economic
development. Therefore the Swapo Party
87
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable registered with Namibian Medical Board
members, let us look on the intake of are 598 from which 242 are in public
this year. The intake of nurses at UNAM service, 315 with private sector and 41
this year has increased by 180, but with the mission. The total registered
decreased to 150 due to the lack of nurses in Namibia are 2917 whereby 99
requirements. So, we have to sort of per cent are Namibians, 1588 are in the
prompt our youth to take up the right public service, 1388 in private sector.
subjects so that we can get more intakes Pharmacies registered with the Namibian
at UNAM. Then the number of nurses Medical Board are 194 whereby 21 are
who completed in 2005 were 61 in the public service, one in the mission
whereby 47 went to the Government and 172 private. These are just the
whilst 14 were swallowed in by private statistics. Let’s look at the medical aid,
hospitals all trained at the expenses of the uncontrolled Government medical
the Government. The intake of enrolled aid. The majority of medical aid scheme
nurses at the Government national users are mostly public service
training sector beginning of this year employees and the beneficiaries of the
2006 are 400 to complete their training medical scheme is private sector
towards the end of 2008 then we will be including doctors. Our private patients
having enrolled nurses and at the end of do not make use of the Government
the day we will loose them also to the health facilities due to the poor services
same institutions. Twelve (12) doctors as they are complaining and they go to
will complete their training successfully private sector which means to say all our
by the end of 2006 all with Government money is drawn to the private sector. So,
loans and then we will also be having 16 we are maintaining them and we are
internship doctors to start in the paying them. That is a fact.
beginning of 2007. That is quite and
additional number, but then at the end or The Government is not getting much
in the middle of the year we will already from the Government Medical Aid as
see what will happen. The queues of the little number of private patients makes
private sectors are there to sort of try and use of the Government health facilities.
“brainwash” “if I can say that” so that This issue needs thorough investigation
they can pay them a lot of money so that the Ministry can come up with a
whereby they can make use of their own necessary recommendation to prevent
resources to train these people because the abuse of medical aid. I haven’t heard
it’s Namibians. If they are Namibians, of a private sector being patriotic enough
they will also make sure that the to assist not even of a general
Namibians are also trained so that they practitioner who volunteered him or
can have people at their disposal and not herself to assist at the Government
waiting for the Government to train hospitals to see only 0.1 per cent patients
people and then they take the people as a contribution towards the sick and
from the Government and start the country at last. Fellow Namibians,
complaining. where are we? We are having a lot of
fellow Namibians in the medical sector.
We agree that the people are going for You are needed to cater for our people.
greener pastures but as Namibians we It is not only the responsibility of the
also have to be alert. The total doctors Ministry of Health, but for all
88
responsible Namibians who are retire, the Ministry make provision for
providing health services in the country. them to be called back. So they are
already employed in the services. The
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable Ministry of Health is doing pretty well.
members, it is furthermore We need to congratulate them and not
recommended that the Ministry of always criticise.
Health should consider the rural
hardship to attract health workers to With these few remarks, I thank you.
rural and remote areas to an extra
incentive by introducing a privation VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
package will motivate the nurses to stay Honourable Sibiya. We have different
longer at these remote areas. In the experts in the House. That was a medical
remote area health clinics the Ministry of expert. Having said that, I shall now
Health is always assured that recognise Honourable Mwilima. You
accommodation is provided usually a may take the floor Sir.
place close to the clinic. They need to be
applauded for a good job ensuring that MR. MWILIMA: Thank you very
their number one priority is always taken much Comrade Chairperson and
care of. I observed with concern that the Honourable members. As you rightfully
foreign doctors recruited by the Ministry mentioned, it is very difficult to come
of Health, after two years of contract and speak after an expert however, with
they start applying for private practice these few findings I would like to fit my
with the Ministry of Home Affairs and if case very clear. I do understand what the
this have been approved then there is Honourable Sibiya was saying and I
nothing that the Ministry of Health can agree with her.
do. Otherwise the Minister if he goes
against this will be taken to court. So, I First and foremost I would like to
think the Ministry of Health and the congratulate the Minister and his entire
Ministry of Home Affairs need to come staff for motivating this Vote. Secondly
together to consult so that they can come to the Minister, I am congratulating him
up with strict measures to prevent this for obtaining his doctorate degree. He is
from happening. now Dr. Kamwi I congratulate him since
he received the degree in the last UNAM
Furthermore Comrade Chairperson, I graduation ceremony and that is again in
want to recommend the Ministry of the field of health which is a very good
Health for the step taken to recruit the example that we are not too old to learn.
Kenyan nurses to elevate the shortage That is good enough as he is too young
and the heavy load on the existing also.
nurses. There is an outcry from the
public but this is not a long-term This Ministry is one of the most
measure but just a temporary one so that important Ministries in our republic. For
we can make place for our people to be us to develop we need a healthy nation.
trained. As I mentioned already that the It is my hope that more resources will be
intake of nurses this year is high. After allocated to this Ministry in future
three years we will be having quite a allocations, because the issues of
high output. Those nurses also who HIV/Aids is a threat to the economy, to
89
our goals and even for our Vision 2030. regions where the Ministry could have a
It is a well known fact that we have a more say on that. But since the abolition
shortage of nurses in this country and we of that, after you graduate you decide
need to address the issue by encouraging where to go. Most regions have suffered
young people to take relevant subjects in in that process and the Caprivi region is
this field of study. It is a pity however one of them. We don’t know really what
that some of our qualified staff have happened, but the expert will tell us.
opted to go and work outside the country
while their services are badly needed Having said that Comrade Chairperson,
here at home. I know the question or the Honourable members, my last point is
issue is greener pastures, but I feel we the equitable allocation of resources. I
need to be patriotic enough to safe our am aware that the Ministry conducted a
country Namibia while we are also survey which shows that some regions
looking at improving the working received less in terms of what they
conditions of our nurses. I want to thank should have received in the previous
the Cuban nation through its leader allocation. I have examples of regions
Comrade Fidel Castro for availing like the Omusati region, Ohangwena and
Cuban doctors to this nation and not Caprivi region. I have reliable
forgetting the contribution of nurses we information that in term of allocation
are receiving from our sister African because the population has to be
country in the name of Kenya. I think considered and also the severity of
this need to be applauded. diseases in that region also needs to be
considered when it comes to allocation.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable We are all aware that the Caprivi region
members, the Caprivi region have been is much hit by malaria, HIV/Aids and
hit hard by a shortage of nurses and I am many more. I feel that the region also
informed that very soon we would be needs to receive a much better cake so to
receiving ten nurses from Kenya to that say.
region and this is good but not enough.
The Ministry have also arranged for I call upon the Ministry to look at the
twenty-two school leavers from the findings of the survey. The budgetary
Caprivi region again to be trained in cutting, once the regions have done their
Kavango region as nurses as a way of budget and they hand it over to the
addressing this problem. I think this is relevant authority, sometimes this would
good. However, the region have not just be cut without even consulting the
benefited from our graduate nurses from people on the ground having budgeted
UNAM recently since the abolishment for these things. I think there must also
of the bond system where the Ministry be a proper consultation with the
could allocate the nurses to the regions regional authorities so that we can have
where their services are mostly needed better implementation of products.
and that is where I have a point. I want
to ask, what really went wrong with that Having said that Comrade Chairperson,
system? I remember in the past the Honourable members, I rest my case and
nurses used to be trained and at the same I support the Vote. Thank you.
time getting allowances and after the
completion they are placed in two
90
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you the regional tender boards. This will
Honourable Mwilima. Honourable enable the communities who are
Nakwafila you may take the floor. beneficiaries of those projects to know
as to when and which clinic is going to
MR. NAKWAFILA: Thank you be constructed in a given financial year.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Another concern Comrade Chairperson,
members, first of all I would like to I turn to differ with the previous speaker
thank the Minister of Finance for who is an expert. The concern that I
allocating the amount N$1 373 496 000 have is that it is on the Ministry’s failure
to the Ministry of Health and Social to recruit enough nurses and to deploy
Services. This was done at the time them to the clinics and hospitals
when the Ministry was in dare need of countrywide. It appears that the Ministry
funds to finance the proposed capital did not do a proper planning when it
project in all 13 regions to purchase comes to the training of nurses in this
medical equipment and to combat the country. I appreciate the efforts made by
threat of HIV/Aids. I hope that our the Ministry to deploy some nurses from
communities most of those who are poor our sister country Kenya, but this must
and unemployed would benefit from the serve as a wakeup call to the Ministry so
funds allocated to this Ministry in the that we can ensure that we train enough
financial year. nurses to serve the nation.
Comrade Chairperson, I want to bring Comrades, there is no smoke without
some issues to the attention to the fire. Some senior health officials urge
members of this august House, and I that it is not the responsibility of the
want to express my serious concerns on Ministry to train nurses but is the duty of
the way the Ministry handles the the University of Namibia. To me, this is
construction of clinics countrywide. It just an excuse. Hence, the Ministry was
seems that this project is not yet supposed to coordinate to monitor the
decentralized to the regions. Our intake and the quality of the training of
Regional Council have submitted four nurses and ensure that this response to
priorities clinics that we wanted to be the need of nation.
constructed, but up to now none of these
proposed projects were implemented. With these observations Comrade
Clinics submitted by Ohangwena Chairperson, I support the Vote and I
regional council for construction are thank you.
Oshangango, Onamunama, Omuhongo
and Onamubalati, just to mention a few. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
I am therefore requesting the Ministry to Honourable Nakwafila. Honourable
decentralise the funds for construction of !Gobs you may take the floor you will be
clinics to regions so that the regions followed by Honourable Nicanor.
could implement this project according
to their priorities. I also want to indicate MR. !GOBS: Honourable Chairperson,
that the National Tender Board also Honourable members of this august
cause unnecessary delays when it comes House, I would like to give credit to
to awarding tenders to contractors. Some where it is due. Millions of thanks to a
of these functions should be entrusted to very energetic Minister of Health Dr.
91
Kamwi and his team who work around up the patients of Outjo with only one
the clock that the operations in this transport so that we save on transport
emergency based institution is run costs where two vehicles are
smoothly. My thanks also go to the transporting people from Khorixas and
Ministry for the ongoing renovations of Outjo?
Khorixas State hospital, Outjo State
hospital and the construction of health Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
centre at Fransfontein. We are members, at some hospitals and clinics
welcoming the ten Kenyan nurses from the patients are not helped to come in
which four have been attached to the these institutions but they are helped to
Khorixas State hospital. They have get out of this institution because of the
already been welcomed by the friendly way in which they are treated by the
people of Khorixas. I hope these nurses hospital staff. That is why some people
will again extend their work permits to opt to go to other places like private
stay longer in Namibia because of the doctors if they have got the means to get
nice hospitality. treatment. What about those who do not
have the means? There is no
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable confidentiality. Some nurses are
members, on a serious note, experienced screaming at patients, some are rude and
and long servicing nurses are resigning this type of treatments cause that people
in search of greener pastures. Can we are not coming freely for HIV/Aids test.
look for ways on how to keep these staff
with the Ministry like incentives for Let me give credit again to the Ministry
those working in remote areas, for availing antiretroviral treatment to
conducive environment like nurses district hospitals of Opuwo, Khorixas
homes, appointing more staff, avail and Outjo which shows a slight decrease
effective transport etc? There is a serious in spread of this threatening disease. Let
shortage of transport at the district me also encourage those nurses to
hospitals like Khorixas and Outjo that change their behaviour so that more
patients with critical conditions are people can come forward for testing in
transported in Bakkies because the fully order to get this treatment. I am also
equipped ambulances are sometimes not appealing to everyone out there to
available due to breakdowns or other change their attitude towards sex and
problems, the patients must sometimes fight against HIV/Aids.
wait for long hours to be collected at
certain clinics because the vehicles have Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
to come from district hospitals. It is very members, it is very much painful that
painful to see how patients are families have to burry their love ones
transported on Wednesdays to early because of the decomposed bodies
Otjiwarongo. Opuwo is using Isuzu that is caused by the mortuaries which is
truck, Khorixas and Outjo are using having constant problems and this
either Bakkies or if an ambulance is happens time and again at Khorixas
available, it is needed for emergency. State hospitals. I am urging the Ministry
Can the Ministry not look to acquire a to please upgrade the mortuary as a
minibus or a small bus for Khorixas and matter of urgency with modern
Outjo that the driver from Khorixas pick equipments so that we avoid these types
92
of problems. It is now time and more I am gratified to note that the
than ever before for the Ministry of Government of Swapo Party is still on
Health and Social Service to identify track as far as investing into health of the
medical problems and consider for Namibian nation is concern. The
development of strategies for equitable challenges however faced with it, is the
allocation and distribution of medical limited resources we have at our
resources. disposal. One would have loved to see
more allocation being made to this
With these few words, I support Vote Ministry in order to enable it to meet the
13, I thank you. many challenges it is faced with as it has
been mentioned here by those who took
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you the floor before me, and I am also going
Honourable !Gobs. Honourable Nicanor to add on the list. I would like to
you may now take the floor. concentrate on the persistent shortage of
manpower at our health facilities
MS NICANOR: Thank you very much nationwide. No region is excluded at all.
Honourable Chairperson of the whole This is a very disturbing situation among
House Committee and Honourable our medical personnel in our country.
members. I also rise to make my humble Most of our nurses in this country you
contribution towards the allocation of meet complain about heavy workload
N$1 373 496 000 made to the Ministry due to the shortage of manpower at our
of Health and Social Services during this health facilities.
year 2006/07 budget allocation.
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
This year’s allocation to the Health members, the result is that it has an
Ministry with the increase of 4.95 per immense effect whereby it frustrates the
cent from the previous years is a clear nurses and sometimes turn them away
testimony of the commitment which the while they were supposed to attend to
Swapo Party Government has and will patients, they end up to register,
continue to have towards building a midwifery, and the list is long. The
healthy nation. This is evident in the result of this workload is that at the end
Party’s Election Manifesto as per its of the day such nurses turn not to be
page 23: “The people of Namibia are our friendly. “I am not trying to defend the
greatest asset. The Government exist for nurses” not to be friendly to the sick but
them that is why the Swapo Party the sick regard our nurses as being
Government continues to concentrate on unkind. They label them as not having
their education and improving and time for them or being unsympathetic to
maintaining their health. This is our them. It is because of this workload that
investment in the future of Namibia. our nurses have to perform their national
Indeed good health is an essential duties. It is also worrisome that in some
ingredient for a better quality of life. We cases such nurses opt for resigning from
believe that improved health promotes our health facilities once they are
social and economic development. frustrated. This act if not addressed in
Therefore, the Swapo Party Government time will continue to put more pressure
has been emphasising preventive care as on the Ministry which is already faced
much as curative care.” with serious lack of manpower hence
93
this situation calls for an urgent would therefore like while at this point
measurement to be taken in order to urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to
address such problems. My answer to seriously look into this problem of
this in my own view is for us as delaying the issuing of work permits to
lawmakers to support the allocations to the expatriates and that they take
be made to this very Ministry so as to collective measures in this regard very
allow more funds that could enable this urgently.
Ministry to look into the issue of
producing more and more medical Coming to my region specifically, I
personnel in our country. I would really would like to raise a serious concern that
say that the increment in the allocation I have regarding the delay in having the
to this Ministry could even be that much Keetmashoop State Hospital upgraded. I
closer to what we give to education for have noted that as per the capital
instance because how do we educate projects for the upgrading of hospitals
people that for instance are sick, and and clinics for the year 2006/07 as
how do sick people go out there and reflected in the Minister’s motivation for
educate our nation? To me this Ministry the budget Vote 13. It is indicated that
is equally important to be looked at the feasibility study for the upgrading of
regarding the funds to be allocated to it. Keetmanshoop hospital is already
completed and I am also reliably
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable informed from the hospital management
members, another challenge in the health in the region that the completion of the
sector is the inadequate ambulance feasibility study has been completed
services at some of our health facilities long time ago, but in the same document
where you find that such health facilities it is only indicated that the
are having only one vehicle or the documentation commencement will only
ambulance that is there is either not in a be in 2008/09. I would like to know
good condition. These are some of the what delays there have been to upgrade
challenges facing the Health Ministry in this hospital while it is almost the
this country. In addition to that I would hospital to which patients from many
also want to raise the issue of delay in parts of the region are being referred too
the issuing of work permits to our before being taken to Windhoek. It is
expatriates who are at voluntary basis indeed also the main hospital in the
assisting our country in this field. The region. Therefore, I would like to have
delay in issuing permits results in the an answer from the Ministry of Health
Ministry also loosing some of the and Social Services as to why this
expatriates when these people’s work hospital has not yet being upgraded.
permits have expired. In the meantime
one would find that such persons simply Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
get another offer and by the time the members, as we are talking here, that
work permit is going to be ready this hospital is faced with many critical
person has taken up another employment problems emanating from the mere fact
already. This is one way which is due to that it is very old. The construction of
the delay of the issuing of work permits that hospital was in 1976. Some of the
and it also puts more pressure on the problems that are faced at that hospital is
Ministry of Health and Social Services. I the non-functioning of the boiler house
94
of which the result is that the hospital is services to the people of Keetmanshoop
experiencing a lack of hot water. As in other parts of the region. My
many of you might have noted and as we suggestion indeed is that the renovation
are approaching winter time, the Karas of the hospital be considered for 2007/08
region is prompt to extreme winters. instead of wasting funds in doing
With our patients, fellow Namibians reparations to the building that is not
who are admitted at that hospital facing modern.
those extreme winters are doomed to
have serious problems. I was made to Honourable Chairperson of the
understand that plans are underway to Committee of the whole House,
rather electrify the boiler house. I would Honourable members, by raising the
be happy with this, if it can be one of the concerns of the state of affairs of the
priorities the Ministry will have in that Keetmanshoop State hospital does in no
region. What is more disturbing is also way mean that the efforts the Ministry of
the non-functioning of the autoclave in Health and Social Services has made in
that hospital. This to me is like a body the region I represent goes unnoticed.
with a heart that is becoming Hence, before leaving this platform I
defunctional. How do we expect the would also like to congratulate the
medical staff at the hospital to do Ministry of Health and Social Services
wonders and in particularly this time of Comrade Kamwi and his Deputy
HIV/Aids scorch? The hospital cannot Comrade Haingura and their able staff
sterilise its medical equipment because for some success stories in my region
as I said the autoclave is out of order due such as the upgrading of the Luderitz
to the fact that the boiler house is not and Karasburg hospitals in the recent
operational. They have to heavily rely on years; the construction of new clinics for
the other two hospitals in Luderitz and example at Ariamsvlei, Oranjemund,
Karasburg regions for their medical Noordoewer and others.
equipment to be sterilised which they do
every week. Two days every week they With these few observations, I support
have to send those equipment of theirs to the Vote and I thank you.
those hospitals and I am reliably
informed that the other hospitals are also VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
becoming fed up and almost not eager Honourable Nicanor. I shall now give
any more to assist or help out with the the floor to Honourable Shangheta.
situation in Keetmanshoop.
MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
I really would like to congratulate our much Comrade Chairperson for the
medical personnel there who despite opportunity given to me to contribute to
difficulties continue to do their level this very important Vote under
best. However, I would like to make a discussion on this very important Bill.
serious request to the Ministry to ensure Firstly, let me use this opportunity to
correcting the situation as what is thank the Honourable Minister, the
happening nowadays is really Deputy Minister and the entire
unacceptable. Urgent steps need to be management team for the job well done.
embarked upon in order to ensure that At the same time I would like to thank
the hospital continue to provide quality the Ministry concern for the expansion
95
for the Otavi clinic to be level of health MR. SHANGHETA: Yes.
centre. This is a right move to the right
direction. There is a dare need to fill the VICE-CHAIRPERSON: You may
Director’s post for the region which is proceed Honourable Sibiya.
empty for more than two years now and
this has negatively affected the service MS SIBIYA: When the nurses are going
delivery in the region. for training, how will they acquire their
funds?
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, it is extremely difficult to VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.
recruit and train the services of principal Honourable Shangheta please proceed.
registered nurses, matrons and the
primary health care supervisors in all MR. SHANGHETA: I think as the
hospitals because the extra remuneration Chairperson mentioned that she is an
is very small and the responsibilities are expert, she is supposed to know this.
very big. Therefore, the post should be [Laughter].
upgraded to the level of the current chief
registered nurses to attract the staff. The The Ministry concern needs to approve
reimplementation of the bridging courses fixed overtime for nurses or apply for
for the enrolling nurses to become the Ministry of Health and Social
registered nurses will motivate more Services to be regarded as essential
nurses to become registered nurses and it services. This will avoid the excessive
will help to fill the vacancies so that the amount of time and frustration currently
Ministry will not have to rely on foreign spent on issues surrounding overtime
nurses. and working on Sundays and public
holidays. The re-introduction of a
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable “privation package” should be
members, the introduction of training introduced to improve staff recruitment
school leavers as student registered and retention in areas such as Tsumkwe
nurses with a full student salary as in the constituency where staff shortage is a
past. This will motivate registered nurses major problem.
to work for the Government after
qualifying. Therefore, the filling of the Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
registered nurses vacancies must be members, more ambulances are needed
considered as a matter of urgency. especially for the hard-to-reach areas
with difficult terrain such as Okakarara,
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Sorry Okondjatu Health Centre and Gam.
Honourable Shangheta. Yes Honourable More vehicles are needed for the
Sibiya. purposes of community based primary
healthcare programme in order for the
MS SIBIYA: Can I ask a question to staff to be successful and effective in
Honourable Shangheta? their day-to-day national duties. Physical
duties to allow affective roll, the anti-
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable retroviral programme to more areas
Shangheta do you accept a question? without negatively affecting other
services delivery.
96
MR. NDJAMBULA: Thank you
In conclusion Comrade Chairperson, Comrade Chairperson, I rise in support
Honourable members, I want to say of Vote 13 and to air some of my
something on HIV/Aids which is killing concerns. Comrade Chairperson,
our brothers and sisters every day, shortage of nurses is a national concern.
although the Government, Non- Vote 13 which is Health and Social
Governmental Organisations, Services is aiming at promoting and
community based organisations, are maintaining safe and healthy nation
committed to fight HIV/Aids, much still through health care provision and is
need to be done. A collective way of enjoying my support. Let me also join
approach should be put in place. I am my colleague to thank the Minister for
saying a collective approach in terms of being courageous enough to obtain a
fighting against HIV/Aids. There are PhD Degree and his Deputy for a job
many organisations that are embarking well done. Having said that, over the
upon fighting against this killer disease, past 16 years of independence only one
but those organisations are fighting clinic was constructed in Oshikoto
separately. We are not united in a one region namely Onamishu clinic in
strong unison to fight against this Oshikoto region and is about 121
disease. We need to unite all kilometres away from Onandjokwe
stakeholders and the national hospital to which the community
conferences should be called at the members are still paying high price in
national, regional, constituency and terms of distance. In other words people
regional level to remind our people are walking up to 200 kilometres to the
about the seriousness of this killer nearest health facilities. During the same
disease. If we are not careful this disease period Oshikoto Regional Council
will finish us in a short time. Therefore, submitted a list of new proposed clinics
let us all fight HIV/Aids in order to from almost all the constituencies
make Namibia free from HIV/Aids. I including Oshipala and Esheshete in
would like to appeal to all Namibian Olukonda constituency, but up to date no
men and women to refrain from all response. Nothing has been done.
issues that are spreading HIV/Aids and
to use protective measures as I am calling on the Ministry to look into
recommended by doctors through the these issues seriously. Apart from that
Ministry of Health and Services and also Onandjokwe district is part and parcel of
to report themselves to the nearest clinic the Ministry of Health but it is being
or hospital to be assisted accordingly by neglected and disadvantaged and the
the Government. said district is covering a population of
about 153 725 people but it was only
With these few remarks, I support the provided with one vehicle for the last
Vote and I thank you. time in 2002. This car is currently in a
very bad condition and it was meant for
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you malaria control. As a result Comrade
Honourable Shangheta. Now Chairperson, Honourable members,
Honourable Ndjambula. outreach service has stopped because of
the said reason. On top of that there are
three health centres that are operating for
97
24 hours namely Onyaanya which is 25 MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very
kilometres from Onandjokwe, and much Comrade Chairperson of the
Onayena which is 31 kilometres from whole House Committee and the
Ondadjokwe, none of these health Honourable members, I also rise to
centres are having an ambulance. To this support Vote 13 which is Health and
end the far remote health facilities such Social Services because I believe that a
as Omuntele, which is 51 kilometres, healthy nation is a strong and balanced
Onamishu which is 121 kilometres and nation because good health is an
Onghumbula which is 105 km. There is essential ingredient for better quality of
neither transport available nor are life which promotes social and economic
communication facilities and the lives of developments. Most of our rural
our people at stake. I am therefore communities have built clinics in order
calling on the Minister to look seriously to bring services closer to them or for the
into the possibility of providing transport Government to meet them half way like
and communication facilities as a matter in Omuntele constituency for instance.
of urgency to the said health facilities. The community there built clinics at the
following places like Ondjamba clinic,
In conclusion, in each budget of Vote 13 Onguluwoonime clinic, Oniihadhila,
there is always a provision to address the Ambende and Amukulungundju just to
issue of poor sanitation that negatively mention a few. These are the concrete
affected 80 per cent of the past evidence and prove that our people are
disadvantaged communities. This project healthy conscience. Our nurses should
is not maybe effectively implemented in also be prepared to work in rural areas.
our region or is none existing. I am
therefore calling on the Ministry to look I would like to appeal to Life Skill and
into the possibility of improving this the Career guidance teachers to
project for the betterment of all the encourage our learners at schools to take
disadvantaged communities. up these fields in order for them to
become future nurses and medical
Finally, there are many volunteers who doctors. When it comes to health centres
are going around from village to village as mentioned by Comrade Ndjambula,
in order to disseminate information we need medical doctors at our health
about HIV/AIDS and it’s a big impact in centres. We thank the Ministry of Health
the communities, but these volunteers and Social Services for establishing
are not being looked after, they are just health centres nationwide but on behalf
left in the hand of the poor Regional of the community out there, I am humbly
Councillor who is the Chairperson of appealing to the line Ministry to station
CACO. I am again calling on the medical doctors at these health centres. I
Ministry to seriously consider those know many doctors may not agree to be
volunteers. With these few words, I stationed at those health centres at the
support Vote 13 and I thank you. remote rural areas where there is no
descent living accommodation.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Therefore, this budget should also
Honourable Ndjambula. Next is address accommodation not only for
Honourable Kankoshi. doctors but for nurses as well.
98
When it comes to the health centre at years. Their immediate supervisor
Onayena, a constituency of the should make sure that full cooperation,
population of 15 459 according to the continuous consultation with the local
2001 population and housing census, leaders is carried out timely.
that health centre needs an urgent
renovation and upgrading before the Having raised these concerns Comrade
next rainy season. If not, I foresee a big Chairperson of the whole House
problem facing patients who will find Committee, I support the Vote and
themselves being hospitalised during would like to ensure the Namibian
that period. The same applies to the new people that with the Swapo Party
clinics which were proposed by the Government their future is secured and I
Onayena Constituency Development thank you.
Coordination Committee as from 1999
in order to shorten and minimise long VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
distances experienced by our people. Honourable Kankosi. Honourable
The proposed two clinics are at Erombe Hakaye you may take the floor. You will
and Emulondo. The line Ministry should be followed by Honourable Martin.
look at these proposals as a matter of
urgency. MR. HAKAYE: Thank you Comrade
Chairperson. It is health and every one in
Comrade Chairperson of the whole a way or the other is affected. Before
House Committee, Honourable going to my contribution I would like to
members, as we have received good rain join my comrades to still congratulate
this season, malaria outbreak may be Comrade Minister for having achieved a
very high. Therefore, when it comes to very good achievement in his profession
mosquito spray the Ministry of Health by obtaining another degree, and also
should budget for the water. Currently congratulate the Ministry on the good
we are experiencing a problem and in work it has embarked upon. There has
some instances Ministry been remarkable improvement in the
officials/workers have crashed with Ministry of Health that is accountability
water point members because the to certain amount of money appropriated
community are paying for the water to this Ministry. Likewise, it cannot go
consumption while the Ministry officials without being noticed that Namibia as a
just want to use the community water country used to send its people out there
free of charge when mixing the for heart treatment, but as we are talking
chemicals. So, these officials when here, heart treatment can now be
conducting or starting with the mosquito conducted inside our country. That is a
spray should first consult the local relief to Namibia and for the rest of the
leaders to avoid a situation of spraying region those who can make use of these
only certain areas every year and leave facilities. Equally, it is making major
out some places for a year. For example, breakthrough in the treatment of a
in the Oshikoto region they always leave number of cancers. These are some of
their tent at Uuhama, spray the nearby the deadly, feared but curable diseases
villages and shift to Onathinge just along Namibia was not prepared for in the past
the main tared road leaving out big years. Equally in the same vein Comrade
villages like Amutya and many more for Chairperson, Honourable members,
99
these are merits that the Ministry of home region there are certain clinics and
Health has done as much as our health of health centres that were made specially
our people is concerned, including the priorities but never carries out and no
provision of anti-retroviral programme. good explanation to this date. We are
However, Comrade Chairperson, I prepared to give credit where it is due,
should have many more other thanks if but if we are not satisfied with certain
this Ministry look into its programme services we have also to voice that out so
most critically putting up improving that at least there can be a room for
health facilities through out the country. improvement.
My region especially benefited because
it was administered through what was Having said that Madam Chairperson,
referred to as Central North Region Honourable members, I would like also
based in Oshakati. Now we have our to echo the question of spraying in
own directorate in Omusati and it make regions. I think here equally
me to believe that they will per consultations are not made. Programmes
arrangement now embark on a regional are set and are very hard to be revised
programme as submitted by the regional with the foreman or whoever is the
officers in consultation with the people group leader in a given constituency. In
at the ground unlike to a certain extent the eyes of the public and the people out
that certain programmes of health nature there, it is not fair to just spray in one
important as they are, are not locally and the same village every year and to
designed. If you design it locally, it is leave out others. And they are saying,
not carried out as designed. this is what has been reported, but when
the programme is designed your input is
The Ministry happen to have its own not invited. You cannot have a platform
priorities which are sometimes not where you can complain, and even if you
priorities of the regions or complain and you give the village, next
constituencies. My region happened to time when the programme comes
be a victim of that and as such nothing has changed.
sometimes we will be informed that your
project was approved and it will be Comrade Chairperson, I think these are
carried out. Year-in year-out this project some of the health issues that we need
is not carried out. That raise some not to ignore so that at least in spite of
suspicion for one to question on as to this improvement there can be an
whether the Ministry can offer some equitable division of services in an area
explanation on as to what happened to like that, especially in the world now
the money allocated to that project that that the country is faced with this killer
was not carried out. If they are disease. We need services at every point
accountable to that someone said to be a human being can reach. Even those
there and courageous enough to explain people that are weak, these services can
on as to what happened to that. And of be upgraded. Even at my home like
apparent, that project that was approved someone is saying 15 000 in a given
to be carried out is not appearing in that area, but my home constituency has no
victim as we are having today and no health centre but the year, the
explanation is given. So, suspicion is catchments of that supposed to be a
definitely to be there. Equally in my health facility is more than 31 000 per
100
annum but the qualification is about 8 Oshikuku unless they are going to
000. One wonders what criteria they remove it tonight.
followed. What the health people are
doing with that whole information? Just Thank you very much Comrade
to mention my home constituency, leave Chairperson.
alone the whole region.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Comrade Chairperson, I do not want to Honourable Chief Whip. Honourable
defeat the echo made by my comrade Martin you may now take the floor.
over there that health personnel are over
crowded. I agree, but equally there are MR. MARTIN: Thank you very much
certain health personnel that maybe are Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
doing a wrong profession. They are not members of this august House. Allow
so kind so to say. In my region, in me to use this opportunity to thank the
Oshikuku they can just through any Cabinet of the Republic of Namibia and
word to a person especially the Honourable Minister of Finance Saara
HIV/Aids related things. They mention Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for allocating
anything they want and this is one of the an amount of N$1 373 496 000. This
health centres which benefited from the amount has got the blessing of Oshana
Government. It was Roman Catholic region. We are humbly requesting
administered, now because of the high Honourable Minister of Health and
catchments a great improvement is made Social Services Comrade Richard
to the building only but not to the Kamwi to put the Oshakati State
personnel. They are so unprofessional to Hospital in the first priority. I am saying
a certain extent. Some at the Oshikuku so because it was planned to be
hospital will be watching films instead completed in about five to seven years
of attending to patients and when they ago but it is now ten years. Only 30 to
are told then they say `` you are not here 40 per cent of the hospital is renovated.
to teach us our job``. Then after this The wards are full and beyond its
Mexican film or whatever, that is when carrying capacity. The sewerage system
they are going to attend to the patients. in the wards is very old such that many
This is unfair and unprofessional. Then toilets are not functioning. Hygiene is
the question of patron may be being compromised.
inspectorate to inspect where to report
such things. I think something must be Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
done to certain nurses and if they know members, we are also humbly requesting
this is not a good profession especially Comrade Minister of Health and Social
by this time because they swear they Services to put something in action to
have the effect, they have everything improve the process of giving medicine
they promise they can do. In their to our patients. Currently it takes you
promises there was no TV and they were one or two days to get your medicine
told that TVs are for patients and not for and some old people are sleeping in the
nurses. They are forbidden even if I am queue in front of the pharmacies waiting
not mistaken by the law but they are for the next morning to get medicine.
there watching TV. You can go to This is painful to our community. Lucky
enough in Oshana region we have three
101
health centres for example Ouniki in the long distances to the aforementioned
Oskahati West constituency, Ondangwa clinics. There are snakes and other
in Ondangwa constituency and reptiles that used to bite our people.
Ongwediva in Ongwediva constituency. Therefore, we have the opinion that the
But nothing has been done since it was Ministry should consider this remote
declared as health centre in 1994. area. Oshana community is hereby
Services of these health centres are very kneeling down to the Ministry of
poor, although the population is rapidly Finance to increase the development
growing. budget to enable the Ministry of Health
and Social Services to attend to the
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable urgent renovation and upgrading of the
members, clinics in Oshana region: We abovementioned facilities.
got Ekamba clinic which was built with
mud bricks by the church. It is high time With these few concerns I support the
now for a new clinic to replace this Vote. Thank you.
falling mud thing to render effective
health services and a hygienic VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
environment. We also have a problem Honourable Martin. Honourable
with Eroro area. This area is in Okaku Siwombe you may take the floor.
constituency with a population of about
11 000 to 12 000 Namibians. They have MS SIWOMBE: Honourable
no fixed health facilities. They have Chairperson Honourable members of
been identified as a priority for almost this House, I will be brief and precise
ten years now. It needs a clinic. Let’s go since some of the most important points
to Ompundja and Uvudhiya were already raised by the comrades
constituencies. These two constituencies who spoke before me. I want to agree
are in remote and typical rural areas. We with some of the statements that were
have the opinion to construct a clinic made by our Honourable Chief Whip of
there at Ombonde area because currently Swapo Party Comrade Hakaye. Let me
the situation is not normal because the use this opportunity to thank the
communities are always travelling long Government of Kenya which sent nurses
distances from semi-deserts such as to Namibia. My region wholeheartedly
Oponano, Onduru, Shekedhiya, Omapale welcomed the staff members.
and Engombe to seek health treatments
at the following clinics: Okani clinic in Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
Otamansi constituency in Omusati members, education and health are
region, Okaukamacheche in Oshakati important sectors that received the
West constituency and Ompundja clinic highest allocation, but I request the
in Oshakati east constituency. Most of Ministry of Finance also to have equal
these people used to travel a distance of billions to the Ministry of Health. Most
30 to 40 kilometres. of the budget goes to medicine, salaries,
stationeries, transport etc, just to
As you know that in the two mention a few. To this end; serious
constituencies there are many rivers effort is needed because there are still
across. Some of the victims normally people especially in the remote rural
used to die on the way before they reach areas countrywide and especially in my
102
constituency and my region at large. At disease which is HIV/Aids. I think for us
Kapako we don’t have a clinic at Erago, as Parliamentarians have to go for
Mpungu, Nandingwa, Kahenge, HIV/Aids testing. We have to take the
Mbururu, Ndiyona just to mention a few. lead and we have also to encourage
Some people are still walking long positive and infected people in our
distances to reach health facilities among constituencies and regions at large to
them are pregnant women, disabled men come publicly so that we can reduce the
and women, children and senior citizens. fear and stigma from our communities.
Tomorrow we are going home. Carry
I observed that nurses and staff members your passport but don’t forget condoms.
at my region are having very old
uniforms and I would like to bring to Having said that Comrade Chairperson
your attention that sometimes they have and Honourable members, I support this
to buy their own materials from shops Vote and I thank you.
with their own money to make their
uniforms. This shows that they are VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
committed personnel to create conducive very much Honourable Siwombe. Any
environment for the patients and the further discussion? Any objection? The
community at large, not wanting to vote is agreed to. I shall now move to
neglect their patients. Health outreach Vote 14, Labour and Social Welfare –
programmes especially in my N$707 616 000. Any discussion?
constituency Kapako is not carried out Honourable Kavetuna.
due to a lack of transport in the region.
Just imagine during this high time of MR. KAVETUNA: Thank you very
malaria and Kavango region is the based much Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
or centre of malaria. Improvements have members. Having the union background,
to be done in this Ministry. Last but not I am very annoyed by some activities in
least, I would like to congratulate and the Ministry of Labour. I am only talking
appreciate the Minister of Health Dr. of Labour, and that is the treatment of
Kamwi, Deputy Honourable Haingura employees by the labour inspectors. I am
and the entire staff for all the efforts requesting the Ministry to look into this
done so far. Thanks to the Rundu matter by investigating the allegations or
hospital especially the Rundu Regional the truth in accusations laid against the
Management team who started to trace inspectors. The accusations range from
school leavers to health professions. All bribery and it happens that they are
district leaders, health centres, clinics having a case of someone who was
and the entire staff for a job well done. I evicted from a farm or were fired or
know they are working in a difficult something. The farm owner comes and
situation and understaffed with many delivers the whole goat at the labour
diseases but they are taking health as an inspector’s house and the case is gone.
important aspect of everyone’s life. Sometimes it is beef and sometimes it is
Keep up the good work and what all prime cuts from some sorts of animals
Namibians strive for in the health sector and cattle and sometimes it is big boxes
is to have a healthy rather than a wealthy of boerewors which is brought to these
nation. Our senior MP Honourable officials. Money is also included in the
Shangheta reminded us of this killer allegations. Most of the employees fired
103
are floating to our offices and if you elected by those people and now we
request them to go to the Labour have to sit and look how the people are
Ministry they refuse to go because they dumped into the towns, corridors and
are telling us that these people are paid everywhere? How can we do that? We
by the farmers. So we have to do the see that as part of our responsibility by
work. I want to Ministry to investigate standing up and attending to the
the bribes. The thing of bribes and prime problems of these people. We are also
cuts are coming a long way and was sometimes only trying to normalise the
addressed on several occasions but situation by trying to create a better
nothing is changing. I am not saying that labour relation between the employee
all inspectors are bad but there are some and employer. We are not trying to
who are labour and who are probably enforce the employer to keep that
doing wrong things. They are very employee but we are only trying to get
corrupt and they are not doing their things flowing as the people suffered for
work. My request to the Ministry is to long time. We came from the
rotate these inspectors every five years dispensation which was back and those
to get them to other places so that they things are still continuing and we as
can go there until they can do something elected people must just sit and see how
better or otherwise they must be fired our people are suffering according to
and someone better must be employed. what our Minister is saying. Through my
People are evicted from farms and own observation I think we will not
dumped in towns because of those allow that to continue. We have to ask
inspectors and some of my colleagues the Minister of Labour now to
are fighting everyday with the farmers to investigate and come up with a solution
get those people back or either get them concerning that issue.
to stay on a portion of land. They are
dumped in towns and at a later stage the The labour inspectors were entrusted
municipality comes with the decision with work that they have to do and we
that these people must be moved. Where will do the job. The councillors are not
will they go if they have to move out? expected to intervene. We have to sit and
Let say Otjiwarongo is having 15 of look at how our people are suffering. I
those evicted farmers and if the hope this will be investigated as soon as
municipality chance them away where possible and the labour relation will be
will they go? upgraded by the labour inspector in the
Ministry and I hope something will
Some of the cases were issues to be happen to get this thing going. The thing
negotiated by these inspectors and still I told you about last year is still
they expected the bribes and the people continuing. The people are sitting in the
are dumped in the towns. We cannot corridors. Two poor ladies and their
allow this to continue like that. I am children are sitting in the corridor in that
requesting the Minister to please address farm area and nothing is happening yet.
this issue. Our line Ministry is even They are ladies not men. They are
saying that the councillors are dumped there. The owner does not want
intervening in labour matters. How can them on the farm and they are sitting in
we sit idle while people are suffering? the corridor, in a tent. The Government
The people are suffering, we were have to bring them food and water. Is it
104
what we want in Namibia? How long this fund should be utilised to stop the
will those people be there? The labour exploitation of the minority, the San
case is not concluded and the people are people on commercial farms as well as
sitting there. So, we have to shut our the exploitation of commercial farm
months and sit and wait for someone to workers that is prevailing in Namibia 16
solve that problem. It is why I am saying years after independence more especially
the Minister has to come up with a in Omaheke region and in particular in
solution as soon as possible so that these the Steinhaussen constituency. Many of
things can be addressed as soon as them are employed as farm workers
possible. There is evidence which we without being registered with the Social
can show. Some of the people are asking Security Commission and in some cases
if I can proof that. Councillors are asking child labour is also prevailing. It is
those questions but we know that people always difficult for one or two labour
are suffering. I don’t want to ask you to inspector(s) in a region like Omaheke
stand together, I can do that on my own and I hope in some regions also to detect
and I hope things will happen as soon as all these evils that are taking place.
possible. I support this Vote and I thank
you. Honourable Chairperson, therefore I am
appealing to Comrade !Naruseb for more
MR. NDJAMBULA: Thank you labour inspectors to be appointed in
Honourable member. Honourable regions and I am convinced that
Nguvauva Deputy Minister you may Omaheke is in need of three more labour
take the floor. inspectors and two of them should be
based in Steinhaussen and Kalahari
MR. NGUVAUVA: Thank you very constituencies, while the other three will
much Honourable Chairperson, cover Gobabis, Aminuis, Otjinene,
Honourable members. Thank you very Epukiro and Otjombinde constituency, I
much Comrade Kavetuna. Honourable have to make use of this platform also. I
Ndemula was saying you should proof have already at many occasions
what you are saying because he is indicated that I am prepared to
thinking it is Walvis Bay or accommodate a labour inspector who is
Swakopmund that you are running. For based in Steinhaussen in my
your information the one who was constituency office and I am still
asking that it should be proved repeating this call because I believe it is
especially Steinhaussen constituency and to benefit our people.
I think part of Otjiwarongo is
commercial. Steinhaussen constituency Comrade Chairperson, the Social
is sort of a commercial constituency. Security Commission on the other side
should also pull up its socks because
Honourable Chairman, allow me first of sometimes it is not the employers who
all to welcome and support the money are guilty in the delayed registration
that was appropriated to the Ministry of process of the workers. The whole
Labour and Social Welfare with an process is delayed by officials of the
amount of N$707 616 000. I am saying Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
that because it is my believe, my hope Therefore, I am appealing once again to
and my request that a bigger portion of Comrade !Naruseb to look into this
105
matter seriously. On the exploitation of oppressors. We should make sure that
farm workers, it is a known fact that it the media should play a critical role in
exist even in the poor nations where it keeping the public informed about the
happens in many countries. No wonder labour issues on commercial farms. We
that it also exist in Namibia. The should not allow ourselves to be told by
question is; are we aware of what is a certain employer like Gert Koekemoer
happening in commercial farms? of Farm Finale that: “You Kilus, you
Honourable Governor are not allowed to
How are we as the Government of the enter my farm”. It is at the same farm
day going to know what is happening on where seven San People died in 2000
commercial farms if the NBC team in after drinking a poisonous home-made
the company of the Regional Councillor brew. Two San people died this year and
and at the same time a Deputy Minister the cause of the death is once again the
is denied entry into the farm, and at the poisonous home-made brew. It is again
same time the NBC crew which form the same Mr. Gert Koekemoer of farm
part of the delegation of the Governor Finale No. 680 who dumped the 13 San
who is the head of the region is denied speaking families plus 20 children from
access or entry into the farm? Imagine, his so-called farm to the Government
this is taking place 16 years after farm Skoonheid on April 1, 2006
independence. People, what are we without any consultation with the
doing and where are we heading to? A Ministry of Lands who is the custodian
labour seminar on labour issues took of farm Skoonheid. This took place
place this year in January and it was immediately after the death of the two
attended by the Ministry of Labour, San people from his farm and it was
officials from the International Labour during the visit of the Minister of Labour
Organisations, the Namibian Employer’s in the region. To me, this is a slap in the
Federation, and senior representatives of face of the Government to do this while
local media houses. It was indicated at the Minister concerned is in the region.
this one-day workshop that the media It is unacceptable, unfair and should not
should be engaged in all spheres of be allowed to happen again and it should
issues related to labour and this should be rectified with immediate effect.
be done often and not on an ad hoc basis.
It was also indicated or agreed upon Honourable Chairperson, It is at this
those labour relations is a specialised juncture that I am challenging Mr. Phil
field and its significance to the economic ya Nangolo the Executive Director of the
and political development of any country so-called National Society for Human
should not be under estimated. But the Rights to come up in public and to
question is still, here are we rating condemn or to support the evils that are
ourselves concerning this issue as done to the marginalised San speaking
Namibians or the Government of the Namibians by some of the commercial
day? farmers. Mr. Phil ya Nangolo released a
press statement on the 23 February 2006
Comrades, let me appeal to all of us in and amongst much that was said by him,
the Government including myself, we he said the following: “No person shows
should not relax while our people are more signs of warlordism in this country
suffering at the hand of the former than Deputy Minister of Marine
106
Resources and Steinhaussen the marginalised Namibians are still
Constituency Councillor Kilus suffering on some commercial farms.
Nguvauva. Deputy Minister Nguvauva
acts like a States or a Government in and Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
by himself in that region. He is the members, I am now challenging Phil ya
defector Kingmaker of the region and Nangolo and his National Society for
everyone is expected to do, what Human Rights to stand up and say
Nguvauva wants and be obedient to something about the inhumanity actions
him”. done to the San community in 2000
when seven of them died at farm Finale
Honourable Chairperson of the as I said, where two San people died on
Committee of the whole House, let me the same farm this year and where one
reveal through this august House to Phil survived and finally said something
ya Nangolo that yes, I am the duly about the inhumanity actions by Gert
elected Regional Councillor of the Koekemoer when he dumped 13 San
Steinhaussen Constituency and I have speaking Namibians including 20
been elected by them to represent them. children form farm Finale to Skoonheid.
That means, I am representing the Instead of condemning this animal
Government of the Republic of Namibia, actions publicly as a Human Rights
that means I am also representing all the Organisation accordingly, they are
Ministries in my constituency, I am also squatting themselves on the side of the
representing Comrade Hifikepunye oppressors and they are harassing those
Pohamba in Steinhaussen Constituency, who are acting on behalf of those who
so to say, jokingly “I was Comrade Sam are marginalised. This is unacceptable
Nujoma of Steinhaussen Constituency and will not be tolerated to happen in my
from 1999 to 2004 and I am now constituency. You can say what you
Comrade Pohamba of Steinhaussen want to say about me Phil, but I am
Constituency and I am serving my convinced that I am on the right track
second term. If I am convinced that what and I will continue and aluta continues
I am doing of saying is to the benefit and in this matter.
in the best interest of the Namibians,
then let me assure you that you Phil ya I am now on a positive note appealing to
Nangolo will not stop me to do or say the Minister of Labour, Lands and
what I think is correct for Namibia. Resettlement office of the Governor,
Farm Workers’ Union, Office of the
What Phil ya Nangolo said in his press Regional Councillor “that is my office” ,
statement on February 23, is precisely and the Swapo Ruling Party to sit
what is always said by some of the white together and to come up with a proposal
commercial farmers in my constituency for this farm Finale. I will elaborate
and in the region. To me it is a clear more on this issue when we are going to
indication that Phil ya Nangolo and his discuss Vote 25 on the Ministry of
National Society for Human Rights is Lands and Resettlement and there I need
representing the interest of some of the support from all of you.
white commercial farmers in the region
forgetting or ignoring deliberately that Finally, I am congratulating the Minister
of Labour and Social Welfare and its
107
powerful delegation to the region when transportation benefits being enjoyed by
we were having our Regional others in the rest of Namibia. I thank
Sustainable Labour Relations Workshop you.
in Gobabis on the 30 – 31 of March
because their presence, assistance, VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
advice and contributions were very Honourable Kavetu. Honourable
much appreciated. Thank you very much Appollus you may take the floor.
for the opportunity.
MR. APPOLLUS: Honourable
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Chairperson, Honourable members of
Honourable Deputy Minister Nguvauva. this august House, first of all I should
Honourable Kavetu you may now take just like to have the Acting Chairperson
the floor. up there, then I know that I will be
protected. Thank you very much. I stand
MS KAVETU: Thank you Honourable to support Vote 14. I would firstly like to
Chairperson, Honourable members, my congratulate the Honourable Minister of
contribution to this Vote is very Finance for allocating one of the biggest
important. Let us serve this nation as one amounts to the Ministry of Labour and
nation and not as two nations. Let Social Welfare. This N$407 616 000
Kunene North in particular be a part of might sound a lot, but I think that the
the whole Namibia and not as a separate Honourable Minister of Labour and
area. The disadvantaged people who are Social Welfare has the need of much and
there are the former disadvantaged ones. more funds to change the believes and
No one should have a prejudice against mindsets of so many people regarding
these people’s lives. fair treatment of employees all over
Namibia. I am again humbly appealing
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable this time to the Honourable Minister of
members, if the Government of Namibia Labour to plan for more informative
decided to provide N$2000.00 assistance meetings in the great Karas Region.
to the pensioners in terms of funeral, Many employees, and I believe, also
coffin and transport for the late many employers are totally in ignorance
pensioner to his/her place of burial, it of the provisions embodied in the
must apply to the whole country. Labour Act and other Labour related
Kunene North does not enjoy these legislations. I have also observed that
benefits, I therefore would like to send a many employers changed provisions to
special request to the Minister of Labour fit themselves as the workforce is in the
and Social Welfare to make sure that darkness of ignorance. The
AVBOB or any funeral service provider Keetmanshoop rural constituency is
do the same to our people in Kunene situated in the middle of commercial
North as they do in the other parts of the farms and that is our problem. The
country. people in the villages are mostly
dependent on an income from the local
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable commercial farmers. This state of affairs
members, even though our old age enables these farmers to manipulate the
people in Kunene North are given the farm workers to their own advantage.
coffins, they are not given the There are some commercial farmers who
108
are feeding the farm workers decently
but they are in the minority. Yesterday, VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
16 May 2006, the Karas Inspector of Honourable Appollus. Honourable
Labour visited Aruab which is my seat Nakwafila you may now take the floor.
to investigate more than twenty labour
related issues and complaints. MR. NAKWAFILA: Thank you
Honourable Chairperson of the whole
Allow me to use this instance to thank House, Honourable members, let me
the Inspector in that region for this much also use this opportunity to thank you
needed exercise. I would advice him to Honourable Chairperson for allowing me
proceed with this and other cases and I to contribute to this important Vote
join him next week. I am not trying to under review. Secondly, I want to
provoke labour conflict of any kind, but congratulate the Minister of Labour and
if the employers treat their employees Social Welfare for motivating this Vote.
with dignity (that’s what I want), you Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
mainly act as human beings. I have no members, I want to briefly share some
problem, but as long as they are treated observations with you regarding the
badly then I foresee a problem. services rendered by this Ministry. The
Ministry plays an important role when it
Furthermore, allow me to humbly ask comes to addressing the plight of
the Honourable Minister of Labour to unemployment among our people. There
employ more officials for the Karas are knowledgeable officials appointed by
region. I echo the sentiments of the this Ministry to assist our youth on the
Honourable Deputy Minister as well as possible means of getting employment
to provide more vehicles for that region. through information dissemination. The
I have been informed that the Labour youth are assisted on where and how to
Inspector of Karas region must also cater apply for loans and bursaries for further
for Hardap region. The Honourable studies. They are also given information
members have already been informed as to where to find skill training
about the size of the Great Karas region institutions such as COSDEC. My
and enact the Labour issues of the concern is that these officials are in
Hardap to that of Karas is like forcing a small number and in most cases they
square block into a round container of can’t cope to serve all the youth.
the same size. Such an action is totally
not practical and completely impossible. Last year I approached the Labour office
I am asking the Honourable Minister to in Ondangwa requesting them to come
assist the Karas offices of Labour with and make a one day workshop training
more officials and transportation to do to our youth, but because of the
their duties as expected. workload these officials could not come
and train our youth. The Ondangwa
With these few remarks, I support Vote Labour office caters for Oshikoto and
14 with the hope and believe that the Ohangwena regions. One wonders as to
Honourable Minister of Labour will hear how they cope to attend to the labour
my solidarity cry from the wildness of matters in these two regions. I am also of
the Kalahari desert. I thank you and I the opinion that this Ministry should
rest my case. have offices in all 13 regions and this is
109
in line with the policy of ever seen has been always started by the
decentralisation. We should also not poor masters; the peasants. This
forget that domestic workers are also indicates that if the working class is not
being exploited and they are not aware well taken care of, we are looking for
of their rights. This Ministry is also very severe consequences and there will
responsible for social welfare of our be no development. We need to look at
citizens. I also want to say something these matters with urgency.
about the old-age pension pay outs. Our
elderly people more especially in the The other point is on the issue of
remote rural areas do walk long transparency in terms of recruitment of
distances to the pension pay points. One the public and private sectors. There are
example is the elderly people from a lot of cases of corruption. Things like
Onambalati area who used to travel favouritism, tribalism, nepotism have no
15Km X 2 to Oshikunde pay point. place in an independent Namibia. Those
Some of these elderly people do found guilty must be brought to book. I
overnights in the open space in the want to ask something in terms of the
surrounding of Oshikunde paying points. minimum wages. I am aware that there is
They become victims of cold weather a minimum wage for security officials.
and during the rainy seasons they are There is mushrooming of shops around
victims of rain. I therefore request the the country especially from our friends,
Ministry concerned to increase the the Chinese shops. I am not against them
number of pay points in the rural areas. but, today we also have minimum wages
which needs to be considered because
With these few words Comrade you find that they pay whatever they
Chairperson, I support the Vote and I want to pay and most of our people are
thank you. found in those areas. Don’t we have any
setup where there is at least a minimum?
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Honourable Nakwafila. Honourable Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Mwilima you may now take the floor. members, on the social grant; it is a
welcome move that our senior citizens
MR. MWILIMA: Thank you Comrade have receive an increment of N$70.00
Chairperson, Honourable members. I adding to the N$300.00 which is now
rise in support of Vote 10, Labour and N$370.00. This in itself is a good move
Social Welfare with the amount and I am still feeling that more grants be
allocated of N$707 616 000. The driving done to increase this. The way in which
force of any developing country or our senior citizens receive their grants
nation is its work force. Therefore, I also need to be improved. They would
would like to concur with what the sometimes walk long distance only to be
Honourable Minister of Fisheries said told their money is not available, and
and I support him. We set out all the sometimes wait for the whole day until
targets, we can have all the best plans the pay masters or whoever is
but if our labour force is not well looked responsible did not even turn up yet the
after and is not driving, we cannot whole citizens are not even informed and
achieve those goals. I am also aware that they overnight there. I am glad and some
the greatest revolution the world has grants such as for disabilities are being
110
carried out, but we still have many VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
citizens living with disabilities who are Honourable Mwilima. Any further
not registered and who also need to discussion? Any objection? The Vote is
benefit from these grants. agreed to. Honourable members, we
shall now deal with the Vote for the day,
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Vote 15, Mines and Energy – N$139 202
members, in consideration of the small 000. Any discussion? Honourable
population in our country and verses the Ndjambula.
majority poor, I feel I have to make a
few observations and proposals need to MR. NDJAMBULA: I rise to support
be considered. I am aware that the Vote 15 which achieved a lot over a
majority of our youth, as a young person period of 15 years. This Ministry
I know much of the youth activities, the deserves to be congratulated for a job
majority are in the streets. Others are well done. I should first and foremost
fighting hard to improve their lives. You thank the Honourable Minister and his
can see the implication, you can see the Deputy to for their efforts to promote the
trauma or stress which the young people use of renewable energy which will
are facing. I would therefore propose; it contribute towards great security and
is time that we consider some of the access to energy.
grants which could help us to elevate
this problem for example unemployment Comrade Chairperson, I will be brief and
grants to be considered to unemployed I will air some of my concerns. My first
young citizens. I know it needs a lot of concern is over fifty hundred radius or
planning but we also need to be able to meters in the Master Plan which states
implement programmes which we think that only community members within
can fit our own programmes. I am of the five hundred radiuses will be provided
opinion that with proper planning this with electricity. As a result, we poor
can be achieved. Secondly again, that is Regional Councillors are being blamed
what I said, it is what we call the basic and accused of discriminating some
income grant system which has worked community members. I am therefore
well in some countries. With our calling on the Ministry to seriously look
population which we have, considering into the Master Plan and change it to
the resources, because the fear here is even two hundred radius because
that a few are better off and the majority electricity has become a daily essential
are totally in severe problems. So, how commodity in our days.
do we address such a situation? There
are some of the things which I feel can Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
be addressed. members, finally, I am requesting the
Ministry whenever there is a rural
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable electrification project to be implemented
members, we should by every possible to always include a provision of Venda
means make sure that no single Centre whereby the community can buy
Namibian should be left out in that board their electricity per paid card, because
of economic prosperity. We all need to members are paying a lot in terms of
participate. I support the Vote and I distance. This function needs also to be
thank you. decentralised because we are saying we
111
are bringing Government close to the Housing and Rural Development reasons
people. We should also bring this service is that it is only responsible for declared
close to the people. With these few settlement as stipulated in the Regional
words, I support Vote 15 and I thank Council Act and not undeclared
you. settlements whereas the Ministry of
Mines and Energy strongly feels that the
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you responsible Ministry for signing
Honourable Ndjambula. Honourable agreements in respect of Rural
Deputy Minister Nguvauva you have the Electrification is the Ministry of
floor. Regional Local Government, Housing
and Rural Development. This issue has
MR. NGUVAUVA: Thank you very become problematic to such an extent
much Honourable Chairperson. In that residents in Omaheke are now being
support of Vote 15 of the Ministry of denied or deprived rural electrification
Mines and Energy allow me in addition development. An exception has already
to say this: The rural electrification been recreated through the construction
project has been embarked upon by the of power line in settlements but the
Government as a development vehicle, engineering of electrification is not forth
an access to reliable energy resources in coming as NamPower would first like
particular electricity is an internationally the agreement to be signed and payment
acknowledged development. The Rural to be effected.
Electrification in Omaheke has been
executed in accordance with rural The Regional Council was categorically
electricity distribution Master Plan, informed by the line Ministry not to sign
although there is currently a backlog in any agreements with NamPower in
the system and therefore rural electricity respect of Rural Electrification pertained
has not been supplied as pledged. to undeclared settlement. My proposal is
that the Minister of Mines and Energy
Honourable Chairperson, the biggest and his Deputy who is a member of this
challenge pertaining to our rural august House should facilitate
electrification in Omaheke region is the consultation process between the
sales of ownership. In Omaheke the Ministry of Regional Local Government,
Ministry of Mines and Energy has Housing and Rural Development and the
constructed lines and all related services Ministry of Mines and Energy to
but what is outstanding and therefore establish exactly as to which Ministry is
delaying the process are agreements to responsible for signing of agreement
be signed between the responsible with NamPower in respect of rural
Ministry and NamPower for the electrification for undeclared settlement.
electricity to be engineered. The two line Once the responsible Ministry has been
Ministries namely; Ministry of Mines identified the signing of such agreement
and Energy and the Ministry of Regional should be automatically expedited.
Local Government, House and Rural
Development seems not to reach a Another problematic issue is the manner
consensus as to who should sign the in which the installation and provision of
agreement with NamPower. The electricity is taking place in Omaheke
Ministry of Regional Local Government, region through rural electrification. The
112
current scenario is as follows: In some from development through these
instances the priorities of the Regional arrangements. We are always sensitising
Council to electrify identified localities our electorates not only to perceive
are not adhered to by the Ministry of Government to be everything to
Mines and Energy and some times one everybody because Government
wonders as to why the Council is resources are not and will not be
requested to submit their priorities if adequate to meet the needs of
such priorities are not flowing as everybody. Now we are therefore urging
resolved by the Council. We are them to supplement the efforts of
informed by the Ministry of Mines and Government by way of their own
Energy that for example supplying contribution to ensure that development
electricity to villages, let’s say A to E is taking place. To this effect for
and those villages that are in between, example the residence of Okuvinburu in
for example B, C and D, are totally not Epukiro constituency made considered
considered in a process and as a result efforts by way of old contributions to the
the electrical lines are passing these tune of more than 20 000 toward the
villages although electrical poles are rural electrification to ensure that
even next to some of those houses. In electricity reaches their homesteads, but
some instances if villages A and E are to this contribution was not accepted by the
be electrified, electrical lines are running Ministry of Mines and Energy as was
through bushes the field from villages A apparently not in line with the
and E and thus not benefiting those ministerial policy to receive contribution
villages that are in between. This is from residents.
indeed a waste of our scarce resources
and therefore an alternative method to Honourable Chairperson, this is so
this effect should be sorted out. astonishing and we as elected leaders
would like this matter to be persuaded
Comrade Chairperson, the Omaheke further. The Ministry of Mines and
Regional Council is aware that the Energy adopted the policy of only
Ministry of Mines and Energy is using supplying internal rural electrification
criteria of allocating points to villages in within the radius of 500 meters from the
order to determine priorities such as transformer. As a result we are
availability of schools, clinics etc, experiencing a scenario whereby some
however some villages have big houses are electrified because they are
populations in terms of number but this within 500 meter radius and the next
aspect is being ignored when priorities houses situated one meter from the
are determined. As a result the villages electrified house does not have
with very big population are not electricity at all while the team is
considered and the supply of electricity proceeding to another village.
is passing the villages and going to those
that are having clinics and schools. Honourable Chairperson, this state of
affairs creates dissatisfaction amongst
Honourable Chairperson, this is not fair the residents as they always knock at our
and this state of affair needs to be doors for assistance as the Ministry of
revisited because the majority of the Mines through the appointed contracted
population are being denied or deprived seems not to be flexible to address this
113
concern. Recently, I was in from buying it. They are reasoning that
Otjozondjupa region where the same this system is very expensive. The
Ministry supplied electricity to many majority cannot afford in a sense that the
residential houses in different villages system is very expensive. People want to
but the issue of the 500 meters from the be included in those costs. As we all
transformer was not prevented. Houses know that four lamps only are costing
in the proximity of those electrified were N$6 000.00 but only with a small radio.
also not electrified. So I was wondering Fridge is not included. It is very hot
why Omaheke region is an exceptional during summer and autumn, people find
case. that it would not work to just spend N$6
000.00 on four lamps without a fridge.
In conclusion, I would like to request our They want to drink cold water. People
Ministry to promote transparency want fridges to be included to this N$6
equitable distribution of resources. With 000.00 cost price. With due respect, let
these few remarks, I support Vote 15 and me humbly ask the Ministry to look and
I thank you very much. work something out. As it is stated by
the Ministry of Mines and Energy, eight
: Thank you Honourable Nguvauva. hundred and fifty systems are installed
Honourable Nhinda you may take the nationwide. This total is less due to the
floor. fact that the system is expensive.
MS NHINDA: Thank you Comrade Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Vice Chairperson and Honourable members, many car owners are about to
members. I cannot start with something stop using their cars and start putting
else rather than to thank the Comrade them away because of the fuel which is
Minister, the Deputy Minister and the going up every day. Due to its shortage
entire staff for keeping Namibia day and some filling stations have run out of fuel
night. Many places included the rural like in Ohangwena region. You would
areas are electrified. Some schools with find a person from Oukongo for instance
Grade 10 are still without electricity. coming to fill up in Eenhana but when
Comrade Chairperson, in my coming there, there is no petrol
constituency there in Evatelo, Onangubu available. Then he/she has to proceed
and Onanhondaare schools that are either to Omafo and Ondangwa to get
having Grade 10 and not electrified. In petrol, and from Ondangwa back to
Ohangwena region some schools like Oukongo the car is already empty. This
Haihambo Combined School, Etsapa is not because of the distance. It is only
Combined School, Eputuko Combined because you have to spend a lot of
School, just to mention a few are not money to fill up cars. The fuel prices are
electrified. The house-power programme going up. Yes, it is a national problem
that was launched in 1996 to facilitate but I am saying in Ohangwena the fuel
the electrification of the households and prices goes up, food become expensive,
small businesses by means of solar food is demanding but salary is just
system was very much welcomed and stable. No increment. What should we
appreciated by many citizens with both do? How are we going to survive? The
hands. But knowing how it works and fuel prices as it goes up gives some
how much to pay, some people withdrew problems to the car owners.
114
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable region due to this problem. Our Katima
members, people in other countries are Mulilo Town Council, the Local
very much proud of their well developed Authority could not generate enough
countries. Beautiful buildings and resources in order to maintain the town
everything looks well constructed and because of insufficient power. As I am
we all wonder why. Basically it is talking to you Honourable members
because they have made used of our some houses in Katima town are not
diamonds. You fine men and women energised for the past three years
wearing very nice expensive diamond because of lack of power.
rings, necklaces, earrings, while the
owners of the diamonds, the Namibians Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
have failed jewellery where it is put on members, as you may be aware we
once and tomorrow it has to be put in the received our power from Zambia which
dustbins. What is this? is not enough to energise the whole
town. This is also leading to a frequent
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable striping of power which has caused
members, we want the real diamond damages to valuable machines of our
rings, necklaces, earrings manufactured people e.g. TV, Radio and Fridges.
in Namibia. We can afford. Why do we
afford the ones we are buying from Honourable Chairperson, both the Local
overseas? We can afford. Comrade and Regional Council in the Caprivi
Chairperson, I think there is no need for region are constantly blamed by the
us to travel to another country to get masses of the region for the poor
these nice earrings. services rendered to them due to this
problem.
With these few words, I support the Vote
and I thank you very much. Coming to rural electricity in Caprivi
region, it is only some parts of the region
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you which is electrified while the majority
Honourable Nhinda. Honourable Kabula has been left out more especially the
you may now take the floor. Liyandi constituency, Sibinda, Congola
and part of Katima rural. The installation
MS KABULA: Thank you Honourable of the greed meaning the poles in
members. Please allow me to briefly add Katima rural and Kabbe, some of them
to this important Vote, Vote 15 of the were installed across the forest leaving
Appropriation Bill. As you are aware the communities which were supposed
that power is important for the survival to benefit from the greed and yet we call
of all human beings, and for the past that development closer to the people.
three years my region Caprivi has This is not closer to the people but closer
suffered a lot due to a lack of electricity to the forest.
and this has caused the region to a high
number of unemployment and poverty. Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
members, the Caprivi Regional Council
Honourable Chairperson and with NamPower already identified a
Honourable members, a lot of investors place where the power station could be
have failed to come and invest in the constructed in consultation with their
115
counterparts in Zambia. I therefore call Planning Commission who are present
upon the Ministry of Mines and Energy here everyday following our debates,
to address this problem as a matter of which means that through the Director
urgency if possible to revise the Master General Honourable Helmut and his
Plan for the benefit of all Namibians not staff are serious to listen to the inputs
only one part. Therefore, with these few from this august House members of the
observations I support the Vote and I regions in order for them to include the
thank you. development processes of the regions. I
would like to request therefore that in
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you the absence of other Ministries whose
Honourable Kabula. Any further Votes are discussed here, not listening to
discussion? Any objection? The Vote is this Honourable members with their
agreed to. Honourable members, we valuable information and
have come to the end of our business for recommendations that we task the
today and this Committee of the administration to summarise the
Council. May I just take this opportunity recommendations by the Honourable
to remind Honourable members to members, send it to the Ministries and
prepare for Vote 16 Justice; 17 Regional demand the response to the
Local Government, Housing and Rural recommendations so that we don’t stand
Development; 18 Environment and here every year recommending the same
Tourism; 19 Trade and Industry; 20 things and nothing is happening.
Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Having Comrade Chairman, I thank you very
said that Honourable members, I shall much.
report progress and seek leave to sit
again.Honourable Chairman, the CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much.
Committee had a long day but we wish Honourable members please take note
to report progress and seek leave to sit that the meeting you requested yesterday
again. to be at 14:30 in G.4 today is still on.
That is the meeting with the National
CHAIRMAN: Leave is granted. You Assembly. Honourable Chief Whip,
may sit Honourable member. That was a please take the floor and adjourn the
marathon. Honourable Chief Whip, is House.
there no other business? Yes.
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Sorry, Comrade Chairman, Honourable
Comrade Chairman, Honourable members, after a very serious business
members, I know we are very exhausted, of this august House, I now have the
but I would like to take this opportunity. pleasure to say that this august House
While I was sitting in that Chair during stands adjourned until tomorrow at
the Committee Stage, I found that the 09:30 sharp. So, I move.
Honourable members of this House have
made very valuable recommendations. CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
However, seeing that we don’t have the objection? Agreed to. The House is
luxury of having Ministers in this august adjourned until tomorrow at 09:30.
House, I want to take this opportunity to
thank the members of the National COUNCIL ADJOURNED
116
COUNCIL CHAMBER still under consideration at 13:00. So I
move.
WINDHOEK
CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
18 MAY 2006 objection? Agreed to. Honourable
member you may table your motion.
The Council met pursuant to Thank you very much. The Secretary
adjournment. will read the first order of the day.
Chairman took the Chair.
Prayers and Affirmation. FIRST ORDER READ:
CHAIRMAN: The House is called to SECRETARY: Debate on Committee
order. Welcome Honourable Members. Stage – Appropriation Bill.
Any petitions? Any reports of Select
Committees? Honourable Hakaye you CHAIRMAN: It is moved that I leave
may take the floor. the Chair. Who seconds? Any objection?
Agreed to. The Vice-Chairperson of the
MR. HAKAYE: Honourable Chairman, Council and the Chairperson of the
I am not well facilitated with the Committee of the whole Council will
national document but as I indicated now take the Chair. Honourable
yesterday that today, 18 May 2006 I Mensah-Williams.
move that I shall table the report of the
Committee on Privileges of the National VICE–CHAIRPERSON: Good
Council. morning Honourable Members, the
Committee of the whole Council is
CHAIRMAN: Just a moment called to order. I shall now put Vote 16,
Honourable member. It is on the order Justice - N$211 914 000. Any
paper. discussion? Honourable Ndemula, do
you want to speak? Please take the floor.
MR. HAKAYE: Oh, it’s on the order
paper. MR. NDEMULA: Thank you very
much Honourable Vice-Chairperson of
CHAIRMAN: Yes. Thank you. Any the whole House Committee, allow me
reports and papers? Any notices of to contribute briefly on Vote 16. The
motions? Honourable Hakaye you may money allocated to this Ministry in my
take the floor? view is inadequate looking at the huge
responsibilities of this Ministry. The
MR HAKAYE: Comrades, I am now objective of the Ministry is well defined
on the right track. I hereby move a and encourages one to takes up studies
motion without notice that the in the legal profession. I would outline
proceedings on Votes 16 to 20 of the some of those objectives thus to instill
Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006] being in confidence in an equitable legal system
accordance with rule 15(3) of the to ensure all people have proper legal
Standing Rules and Orders of the representation to increase respect for
National Council not be interrupted if human rights in a rule of law to make
117
law accessible to ensure that people have Housing and Rural Development. I
adequate access to a trustee service. would like to thank the Minister on the
presentation of his budget where he
Honourable Vice-Chairperson the list acknowledged that the budget allocated
goes on and on. This objective looks to this ministry was not sufficient and
nice on a piece of paper but one has to that the scarce resources need to be
go down to see what is happening on the utilized efficiently and effectively to
ground. One must give credit where it is achieve desired results.
due, like the construction of the
magistrates in Kunene region, Oshana, The mammoth task for the Minister is to
Eenhana, Outapi, and Swakopmund. The spearhead the decentralization program.
Ministry is faced with challenges of lack The programme is aimed at bringing
of staff and magistrates in places like government services closer to the
Kunene, Outapi, Oshana, Oshikoto, people. Some of the objectives of
Ohangwena and Otjozondjupa regions. decentralization are to improve service
The Legal Aid Department needs to be delivery and community participation. It
decentralized. We have seen that the is well understood that decentralization
majority of trial awaiting prisoners is a systematic process of transferring of
applied for legal aid but no response. political administrative and financial
This leads to overcrowding of police functions to the sub-national
cells in the whole country. government. The two main
decentralizations are delegation and
Honourable Vice-Chairperson, devolution. For the past years the
Honourable members, having saying, Government and the Ministry of
that I support the allocation. Regional, Local Government, Housing
and Rural Development in particular
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you made efforts to set the decentralization
Honourable Ndemula. Any further process in motion. Among things done
discussion? Any objection? The Vote is was to re-over night the regional
agreed to. Honourable members, I shall structure that leads the upgrading of
now put Vote 17, Regional, Local regional officers’ ranks from Deputy
Government and Housing and Rural Director to Under Secretary level with
Development - N$447 476 000. Any subsequent upgrading of other posts. The
discussion? Honourable Sibiya, followed Ministry and the Office of the Prime
by Honourable Namwandi, Honourable Minister together with the Public Service
Diergaardt, Honourable Gobs, Commission should be applauded for
Honourable Shangheta, Honourable realization of improved regional
Ndjambula, Honourable Kavetu, structure.
Honourable Appollus. Thank you. You
have the floor Honourable Sabiya. Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members throughout management,
MS SABIYA: Thank you Honourable decentralization regional council were
Chairperson and Honourable members characterized high, poor management
for this opportunity. Allow me to add my financial irregularity. It was my belief
voice to the debate on Vote 17, Ministry that the appointment of qualified senior
of Regional, Local Government, staff members will improve management
118
services. It is more than two years now On a brighter note I would like to thank
since the appointment but the mal- the Minister Comrade Pandeni and the
administration phenomenon appeared to Management for the post tracking the
continue. I was concerned about the programme of constituency offices
situation but I am happy that the construction programme in the Khomas
ministry has acknowledged it. Yesterday region. The two constituency offices are
in the New Era page 8, the Permanent functional with limited staff in place
Secretary of Regional, Local whilst the 8 constituencies in Khomas
Government Housing and Rural region is still waiting for the offices to
Development has expressed the same be completed. The development process
concern and I quote: “This is a clear is very slow. If we proceed on the
proof that currently Regional Councils current phase, Vision 2030 will not be
are headed by Regional Officers who do easy to realize. The Swapo Party
not necessary understand the system. As Government put all the necessary
a result the Regional Councils are facing guidelines and policies in place to ensure
serious financially irregularities, theft Vision 2030. One thing we should bear
and poor management. `` This according in mind is that delaying development is
to Negonga should not be allowed to denying development to the people.
continue.
Honourable Chairperson of the whole
Honourable members of this august House committee, with these few
House, what is needed to improve the remarks, I thank you.
management services in the Regional
Council, be it financial or personnel? I VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
can name it. Most of these managers are Comrade Sibiya, Honourable Namwadi
highly qualified with some of them you may take the floor.
having Master degrees. The minimum
requirements for their appointments MR. NAMWANDI: Thank you
were B-degrees or equivalent in their Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
relevant fields of study. There is only members of this august House. I rise to
one level to become doctors in support Vote 17 of Ministry of Regional,
administration or what ever. I thought Local Government Housing and Rural
one needs an administration doctor to development for 2006/7.
treat a sick Regional Council
administration. If not, I don’t know what First of all, I would like to congratulate
type of qualification we are requiring to the Minister of Regional, Local
rectify or improve administration in Government Housing and Rural
regional council administration. Development, Comrade John Pandeni
and his Deputy Comrade Kazenambo
I appeal to the Minister of Regional Kazenambo and the entire staff of the
Local Government, Housing and Rural Ministry for the job well done as they
Development to find a solution to this motivated the Ministry’s budget of
mal-administration because they are 2006/7 of the N$447 476 000.00.
counter productive and a stabling block
to improve service delivery. Comrade Chairperson, although it is not
sufficient to solve the problems which
119
are being experienced in our regions, as that there should be no citizen without a
sometimes we are requested to give our roof over his/her head by 2030.
proposals for the project at our region
but cannot be approved because of Comrade Chairman, Honourable
insufficient funds. We are doing this members, our people who are living in
through the consultation with the squatter areas must be provided with
Regional development Committee water and toilets. These people are using
(RDC). bushes, until when Comrade
Chairperson? This is serious. Therefore,
Comrade Chairperson, we are facing a I recommend that the ministry under
big problem in our region of budget cut. discussion must look into this problem
That is a big problem for the Ministry very urgently.
under discussion. We need more funds
to fund our projects in order to avoid the Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
mistrust among the communities. You members the region that I am
cannot always go to the communities representing in this House of review,
each and every year to ask them for Hardap region doesn’t have an office.
project proposals, what they need and We need a regional office because we
they are giving you the same project and are currently operating from the former
you cannot proof that this project has hostel school which is hindering the
been implemented. This is a big problem implementation of decentralization
Comrade Chairman, and these are the policy.
people who have voted for us in this
Government and who are keeping the Comrade Chairperson, I rest my case
Swapo party in power to rule this and I support Vote 17. I thank you.
country. This is a serious issue, so let us
take care of them. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Honourable Namwandi. I now
As we are aware that the main function recognized Honorable Diergaardt. You
of this ministry is to develop the regions, may now have the floor Sir.
provide clean water, sanitation, housing
development, just to mention a few. We MR DIERGAARDT: Thank you
are having problems for the squatters Comrade Chairperson, I also rise to
those who are mushrooming in our support Vote 17 of the Ministry of
towns country-wide due to a lack of Regional, Local Government Housing
proper housing. The development also and Rural Development. Comrade
needs to take place in the rural areas so Chairperson, there are only 2 things that
that these people should remain there. I must mention.
Some of them are coming from the rural
areas to search for jobs in towns and 1. The establishment of the
some of them have been chased away Regional REDs companies in
from farms and do not have anywhere to Namibia. My opinion is that this
go. We therefore need to develop the was not the right move or the
rural areas so that the idea of Vision right time, most of our town
2030 can be implemented which states Councils, municipality, Village
Councils; the sales of the
120
electricity to the communities is Housing and Rural development, with an
their main source of income. allocated amount of N$447 476 000.00.
From this income they make sure
that the institutions are up and This Ministry is yet another important
running. I foresee cash flow sector of our Government that requires
problems and then the Minister consideration of bigger allocation of
must come in and help again. I funds so as to allow it to meet the many
talked to certain municipalities burning and basic needs of our people.
where the REDs companies were
already established and they all The Ministry is the mother ministry
complaint. They are all charged with general housing provision
struggling. I am humbly asking and in particular addressing the housing
the Honourable Minister to problem of particularly the low income
urgently look into this matter. groups, the unemployed, the destitute,
people living with disabilities, old aged,
2. The second one is the Build orphaned children and many others. It is
Together programme. This was unacceptable that the bulk majority of
one of the first programmes that our citizens, 16 years after independence
were decentralized. Some town in our cities, our towns, our villages, our
councils and village councils settlements continue to live in shacks or
misuse this programme. The what we call ``kambashus``. These
ministry released the money to people are not living in such structures
the municipality town council for by way of their own choice, but merely
the community to receive houses because of circumstances beyond their
but what happened? The money control. I am fully aware that housing is
is used to pay salaries, to pay a global problem and more so a serious
Namwater, to pay NamPower or problem among the developing and
they use it for their own underdeveloped nations. However
programmes. Namibia with a small of population of
1.8 million we can still do more in order
I am urgently asked the ministry to look to improve on managing and addressing
also into this matter. With these few the housing needs of our people.
words I support Vote 17. I thank you.
The Honourable Minister of Regional,
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Local Government Housing and Rural
Honourable Diergaardt. Honourable Development Comrades John Pandeni
Nicanor you may now take the floor you rightly stated in his last year’s budget
will be followed by Honourable motivation of this ministry and indicated
Appollus. that the Ministry was reviewing the
National Housing Policy in order to
MS NICANOR: Thank you very much incorporate the principal of partnership
Honourable Chairperson of the whole and identify the roles of different
House Committee, Honourable members stakeholders in the provision of housing.
of this august House. I also rise to That to me is a step in the right direction
contribute to the allocation made to the and I congratulate the Minister for that.
ministry of Regional, local Government
121
However, my plead today to the Management Unit. My plea today to the
Ministry of Regional, local Government Ministry is that this arrangement be
Housing and Rural Development is for revisited and that these officials be made
them to also put stringent measures in part and parcel of the regional structure
place in order to control and monitor the so that the regional council can properly
housing programmes that this ministry monitor and see to it that these
currently have in place. Such are the programmes are well meant. The
programmes like the Build Together, unacceptable situation of food going
Social Housing programme, the rotten while some of our people are
upgrading of single quarters and so on. going hungry in this country can no
These programmes have been created longer be tolerated.
with good intention but if the Ministry is
not putting emphasis of monitoring and With these few observation, Honourable
evaluation they may not effectively Chairperson, Honourable members of
benefit as many Namibians as possible. this august House, I support vote 17 and
I thank you.
I am saying this because currently the
implementation of the Build Together VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
programme is faced with many Honourable Nicanor, Honourable
difficulties. For instance if a successfully Appollus you may now take the floor.
applicant acquires a loan and start to
construct the house, normally they end MR. APPOLLUS: Comrade
up having incomplete houses due to the Chairperson, Honourable members of
funds that cannot be released from the this august House, I stand to support
ministry because the house owners who Vote 17, although I am a little bit
succeeded in getting the loan did not doubtful if the amount allocated will be
reach the required level. This problem sufficient. The rural electricity supply
can also then affect those that are still on system is already in place. But it seems
the waiting list to be able to benefit from not to progress in the way it was
such loans. It is for that simple reason expected. RED only came into actual
that I seriously call on the Ministry to operation a few weeks ago and I thank
look into monitoring and evaluating such all stakeholders in reaching amicable
programmes. solutions to run operations which will
benefit every body in the Great Karas
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable region and also in other places. If I can
members of this august House, another recall correctly Honourable Chairperson,
concern I have is that of running you have mentioned that all these
programmes such as Drought Relief appeals and the recommendation must
programme, Food for Work and Cash for be put up on a list to take it to the
Work programmes. These programmes different Ministers and now I am coming
also need serious coordination for the with my complaint and my appeal.
officials dealing with such programmes
currently to be incorporated in the Allow me to complain about the
regional structures because the current difference in price of electricity boxes
arrangement is that they are directly which cater for pre-paid electricity
attached to the National Emergency system. Residents in the Aroab village
122
are forced to pay N$2 400-00 per box to the House my other concern is about
have a box installed in their homes. traditional leaders in my home region.
This, I regard as outrageous, and I am They are concerned about their
appealing to the Honourable Minister allowances that are not enough and I am
Comrade Pandeni to investigate this strongly supporting their concern. They
issue to compare the prices of other local need medical aid and other sensitive
authorities and give guidelines on how needs for their lives, but with this small
prices can be made more affordable to allocation they cannot afford their needs.
the poor people. I am humbly appealing At their workstation they need vehicles
to the Honourable Minister to ensure that which they can use during their
prices are of such a nature that operations.
everybody in Aroab and elsewhere can
afford the electricity boxes. I thank you. Honourable Chairlady, Honourable
members of the National Council, in
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you conclusion of my presentation I would
Honourable Appollus. I will now give like to request the government to
the floor to Honourable Kavetu. You consider the working situation of
may take the floor. traditional leaders in the whole region of
Kunene. I support the Vote and I thank
MS KAVETU: Honourable Chair lady, you.
Honourable members of the National
Council, thank you for the floor that is VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
given to me to have a positive Honourable Kavetu. I will now
contribution to this Vote. Honourable recognize Honourable !Gobs. You may
members, my home region is crying out now take the floor.
to me that the regional council is
suffering from not having money to MR. !GOBS: Honourable Chairperson,
operate. They used to make earning from Honourable members of this august
selling electricity, but now NORED took House, thank you for the opportunity to
over and they are making a lot of money deliberate on Vote 17 which is of the
from selling electricity and this money is Ministry responsible for Regional
for NORED itself and not for the town Councils. I know that this Ministry is in
Council. They do not share this money at good hands in the name of Honourable
all. Water have been given to Namwater, Minister Pandeni as he was the Governor
they do not make money from water of Khomas region. The allocation on the
anymore. In the past they used to depend Vote is small because the Regions and
on Government subsidies and this use of Local Authorities have got a lot of
subsidy is stopped. After it was stopped capital projects which must uplift the
the town council started experiencing living standards of the people but the
problems which are now worse. allocation is not enough for regional and
local development. The Ministry is
Honourable members, this problem is tasked for the proclamation of
great and needs to be addressed very settlements and surveying of these areas
urgently. Therefore, I would like to which is a costly exercise because some
request the government to give its regions and local authorities do not have
helping hand. Honourable members of town planners while the regional
123
planners cannot do the zoning and MR SHANGHETA: Thank you very
surveying of the land. much Comrade Chairperson and
Honourable members of this august
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable House. I stand to contribute to this very
members, I thank the ministry for important Vote 17 under consideration
allocating funds for the Build Together in this House of review.
programmers, social housing, shack
dwellers etc which at some places this Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
money allocated have been spent on members, first let me use this
other operational things. Thus, I appeal opportunity to thank the Ministry
to the ministry to strengthen the concerned for having a programme to
monitoring and evaluation of this abolish all the single quarters throughout
programme so that mismanagement does the country and providing houses to the
not take place. Let the Ministry also give mothers of this country. But Comrade
constant assistance to some villages and Chairperson, Honourable members, I
town councils as they cannot cope to run wonder why this programme of
the institutions after the formation of the abolishing the Otavi single quarters is
REDs. Some of the villages and towns very slow. The Otavi single quarters are
have been established in the 1960s and totally old, therefore I am proposing to
still they are operating with the old the Ministry concern to speed up this
infrastructure like water and sewerage programme so that the Ministry can
reticulations, and electricity network. construct houses for the residents of
These institutions need support from the Otavi single quarters. One of the issues I
Ministry to rectify or replace the want to bring to the attention of the
reticulations with modern equipment as mother Ministry is also to speed up the
these are capital projects which they process of the proclamation of Combat
don’t have funds for. Now that the to the level of a settlement or a village
electricity is gone to the REDs, the Local council so that necessary services could
Authorities are only left with water to be provided to the community members
get income but at places like Khorixas of Combat. Currently, Combat
and Opuwo there are problems with communities are under difficult
water supply. At both places the conditions in terms of service delivery
reticulation are old and the water has got because the Mine management is only
high lithium. Thus, these two towns need concentrating on mining activities and
water purification system. not community activities.
Lastly, Honourable members, I hope that Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
above mentioned things will be attended members, I would also like to touch on
to from this minimal allocation. I the critical issues and unhealthy
support Vote 17 and I thank you. relationship between some of the Local
Authority Councils and Regional
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Councils. I do not know why some of
Honourable !Gobs. I will now recognize these Municipalities and Village
Honourable Shangheta. You may take Councils do not want to recognize and
the floor Sir. maintain health relationships between
Regional Councils and Local Authority
124
Council. Regional Councils are the Honourable members, a lot has been
Regional Authorities in the Republic of done in constructing the Councillors’
Namibia and the Local Authorities Office in terms of appointing what they
should also recognize and be aware that call ``well-qualified personnel`` at the
the towns which they are administering Regional Councillor’s Office. However,
are within the regions and the process at which decentralization
constituencies. There is no doubt about policy is moving is very slow. The
this, therefore; a joint platform must be process is very slow despite a number of
created between the Regional Councils Acts passed in this House such as
and the Local Authority Councils in Decentralization Enabling Act. One
order to discuss issues affecting the would want therefore to ask as to
common interest of this Council. One of whether it is a question of lack of
the burning issues is also the fighting commitment or is it a question of
mainly between the Local Authority political will or is it a question of
Councils and Village Councillors. This unknown fear among some line
should be stopped because this is Ministries? Can the Minister explain?
undermining the development towards Furthermore, the worrisome procedures
the community members in various on the system of budget cutting Comrade
regions, constituencies and towns. Chairperson to the board is done because
Councillors should put into mind that the there is no convincing information from
electorate who elected us did not elect us the Regional Councillors’ Offices
to fight among ourselves and even to through the budget hearing or because
fight for these positions but they elected submitted projects from Regional
us to deliver necessary services. Not Councils are meaningless. They have got
fighting for positions. Therefore, I am no substance, because regions submit
urging the Ministry concern to make projects but you hardly find them
sure that this tendency of fighting is included in the approved projects. It is
causing unhealthy relationship and high time that we plan together and
should be addressed and be brought to prioritize together with our line Ministry,
an end. National Planning Commission and the
Finance Ministry in order to avoid
With these few remarks Comrade unnecessary delay and unnecessary
Chairperson, Honourable members, I leaving some of the projects which have
support the Vote and I thank you. been submitted from the regions.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Apart from that I would also like to
very much Comrade. I will now propose that budgets for the Regional
recognize Honourable Ndjambula to take Councils should also be presented and
the floor. approved by parliament so that
everybody can know what has been
MR. NDJAMBULA: Thank you allocated to region B, region A and
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable region C. Act no 22 of 1992, Article 25
members, I also stand to support Vote 17 of Regional Council clearly states and I
with the custodian of decentralization quote: “The Minister of Finance may
policy and to air some of the concerns. from time-to-time prescribe measures in
relation to the transfer of funds between
125
the Government of Namibia and MS KABULA: Thank you Comrade
Regional Councils or between different Chairperson and Honourable members
regional councils which may be of this august House. Allow me to
necessary for the propose of Sub-section congratulate the Minister, Comrade John
(1)``. I think this can be done, it is Pandeni and his team for their
provided for. motivation on this very important Vote,
Vote 17 of the Appropriation Bill.
Of course, Comrade Chairperson, the
current system of living everything in Honourable Chairlady and Honourable
the hand of the line ministry to decide is members, before I support this Vote, I
neglecting and is disadvantaging some would like first to address my serious
regions. For instance in our region we concerns mainly on the budget
are disappointed because we were told to allocation. Honourable Chairlady, I feel
stop all other ongoing projects by the that the National Priority Funds occupies
Permanent Secretary of the line almost the whole regional development
ministries such as the surveying and budget, living the Regional Council with
servicing of Onethindi township and no funds or limited funds for that
concentrate only on one project, that is financial year and this leads to
the relocation of the regional complains form the communities that the
headquarter from Tsumeb to Omuthiya. Councillors are not delivering
This is disappointing Comrade development services to the community
Chairman, Honourable members. This is who elected them. A good example
our own initiative, it is our own baby. Honourable members, is when the
We know moving to Omuthiya is a Caprivi region was allocated N$5.7
question of time and a question of million last financial year. In proportion
procedures to be followed. But to stop N$5.5 million was for the development
other ongoing projects, we are now of Bukalo settlement to be a town, and
being accused by our community that was a national priority leaving the
members of discriminating other villages Regional Council with N$200 000.00
and other constituencies such the only, which is very little for the
community of Onethindi which is development of the region.
growing very fast and need attention.
On top of that, if you go around in some Therefore Honourable members, as a
regions you will find that there a lots of Councillor representing the Caprivi
projects being implemented but here you region, I would like to propose that the
are being told only to concentrate on one budget for the National Development
budget. It is unfair, it is unacceptable. Priorities should be budgeted for by the
With this, I thank Comrade Chair, line ministries, separate from the
Honourable members. Regional Council’s development budget
e.g. designing and servicing of future
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you towns and villages.
Honourable Ndjambula. I would now
recognize Honourable Kabula. You have Honourable Chairlady and Honourable
the floor Madam. members, although I support the Vote, I
still feel that the amount of N$447 476
000.00 which was allocated to the
126
ministry is not enough. I support the I am very happy that the Ministry is
Vote, but the money is not enough. focusing on the Etosha National Park
Thank you. concerning renovation and upgrading. At
the Waterberg Plateau Park some drivers
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you provided to tourists guide cannot even
Honourable Kabula. Any further speak or understand the national
discussion? Any objection? The Vote is language. How can they show the people
agreed to. Honourable members, I shall what is what and where they are going?
now put Vote 18, Environment and It is an embarrassment to do that. The
Tourism - N$141 486 000.00. National Wild Life Resort, while the
Honourable Kavetuna you will be influx of tourist are very high at the end
followed by Honourable Namwandi. of the financial year they are all paid out
by the Government, how can we proceed
MR. KAVETUNA: Thank you with this trend? This time I hope that
Comrade Chairlady, Honourable the Ministry will force these institutions
members, I stand up to add my voice to to make their own money and not
those Comrades who aired their views to squander resources and wait for the bail
other votes which might make a big out from the Government. Private parks
impact on certain Ministries. The Vote and lodges are making millions but
under debate that of the Ministry of parastatals are always dependent on bail
Environment, Tourism and Forestry is a out all the time. If they are not making
very important Vote which must be money the ministry must be obliged to
supported whole heartedly, because it is take these parks and resorts back and run
one of the biggest contributors to the it themselves and not continue with the
GDP. Concurrently, I must also inform bail outs.
the ministry of the worsening of
infrastructure and services at some of The other thing is employees of these
our National Parks and Resorts. Some of parks and resorts who are not really
these parks are our national pride of productive. They are roaming in towns
tourism activities to the world and must and villages around and are not staying
be guarded jealously and protected by all at their duty points. The other thing is
means. Etosha National Parks is on this the constituencies which are only
front our biggest asset followed by the established by names mostly in
Waterberg Plateau Park which is partly Otjozondupa region and Okakarara area
run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts are not operational. I request the
Company. At Okaukuejo, I read of two Ministry to help these people to come up
German nationals who visited that part a from the ground. So with these few
few years ago and came back recently to words, I rest my case and I support Vote
see that the buildings are falling apart 18.
and services are deteriorating. At Halali,
no one attended to them when they came VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
there for their lunch. They proceeded to very much Honourable Kavetuna.
Namutoni where they were treated to the Honourable Namwandi you may now
Namibian hospitality. I am not saying take the floor.
that this is true but must be looked at.
127
MR. NAMWANDI: Thank you Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable members, the crime rate on tourists is
members of this august House, I thank also very high. The Ministry of
you again for the opportunity you have Environment and Tourism must ensure
given me to contribute on Vote 18. First the Safety of tourists in the country and
of all, I would like to congratulate culprits must be brought to book.
Comrade Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila I thank you Comrade Chairperson. I
for a job well done in allocating an support Vote 18.
amount of N$141 486 000.00 to the
Ministry of Environment and Tourism. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Honourable Namwandi. Any further
Comrade Chairperson, we all know that discussion? Any objection? The Vote is
the Ministry of Tourism is a very agreed to. Honourable members, I shall
important one in this country as it now put Vote 19, Trade and Industry –
contributes to the economy of our N$107 434 000.00. Any discussion
motherland. I feel that the Ministry must Honourable Shangheta, you will be
be able to control the money that is followed by Honourable Hakaye.
generated from tourism and manage it
well. According to my observations I am MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
aware that Tourism Resorts are falling much once again Comrade Chairperson,
under private management and are not Honourable members, I rise to contribute
attracting tourists. This is because some and support the above mentioned Vote
parts of these resorts are not well under discussion in the House of the
managed and these parastatals are a Review.
problem in our country more especially
in my region, Hardap Dam Resorts, The Ministry of Trade and Industry has a
Sosesvlei and Sesrim to mention but a responsibility to provide and promote
few. I think this is not only a problem in trade internationally, regionally and
my region, it is country-wide. You particularly locally. Therefore, the
cannot even find petrol on that resort. At Ministry concern has to make sure that
the time that the Ministry was running industrial parks and open markets are
the resort, you could find petrol there, introduced, build or constructed in
but now you cannot find it. various locality of our society such as in
towns, village councils and rural areas
Comrade Chair, Honourable members, I with a purpose of reducing poverty and
have suggested to this ministry that a hunger as well as high rate of
lasting solution is to return the resorts to unemployment which is confronting our
the control of the Ministry of people in this country.
Environment and Tourism. During this
budget I also want to see more Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
community conservancies in the far rural members, I would like to question the
areas not only in the commercial areas, Ministry of Trade and Industry that what
and also in the resettlement areas to had happened to the programme or the
attract tourism in order to reduce poverty idea of construction of the industrial
and unemployment. park in Otavi and how far is this project
now? Several meetings has been held
128
between Otavi community and the VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Technical Committee which consist of Honourable Hakaye, please proceed
members from the Ministry concerned Honourable Shangheta.
and from Otavi constituency regarding
the construction of open market or MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
industrial park in Otavi, but up to now much Comrade Chairperson, Comrade
nothing has happened. I do not know Chief Whip, I really appreciate your idea
why this very important project is not and this is one of the product that the
taking place. We know that Otavi is the community of Otavi wants to sell at that
constituency that is having a high rate of particular open market. There will be a
unemployment and there is no many factory which will sell that ``ekundu`` at
companies that can give employment that open market.
opportunities to our people, therefore the
community members came up with a Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
proposal to have the Government… members, I really want us to agree that
our people are faced with high rate of
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable unemployment that is obvious and if
Shangheta, sorry, somebody wants to people are bringing in initiatives for the
take the floor. Government to meet them half way, why
we are not doing that? These people just
MR. HAKAYE: Honourable want open market or industrial parks
Chairperson, on a point of order. If I can where they would sell their products in
ask a question to my immediate order to make a living. Those people
Honourable Comrade? especially in towns/urban areas have
nothing to eat. There is no field were the
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable people are going to cultivate and get
Shangheta, do you accept a question? something to eat. Therefore now they
want a place were they can sell their
MR. SHANGHETA: Yes. products and make a living so that they
may be able to pay water/electricity and
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Please also pay for the school fees of their
proceed Honourable Hakaye. children.
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Sorry,
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Honourable Shangheta, if I may interrupt
member, you are crying that no you, I apologies, it is now tea break. We
investment is coming to Otavi, and I have a rule to break for tea, however, if
know from a point of experience that the House is in agreement for you to
Otavi has a good deposit of something finish.
we call “ekundu” that has some very
good vegetables originally from my area, MR. SHANGHETA: I have finished
will you then welcome if we people who anyway.
knows how to harvest “ekundu” come
and put up a fabric there? Thank you. VICE-CHAIRPERSON: No, I am still
not finished that is why I first interrupted
you and asked you to sit down before I
129
can get the concurrence of the House. To Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
proceed we have one more Vote left. I members, with these few remarks, I
know it is Thursday and normally support the Vote and I thank you.
Honourable members travel to their
constituencies, but because the rule says VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
we break for tea, I need your approval Honourable Shangheta. Honourable
that we continue without breaking for Hakaye I now recognize your hand, you
tea. So, can I get an indication for the may take the floor.
way forward? Shall we continue?
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
MR. HAKAYE: Yes, please go ahead. Madam Chairperson, Honourable
members of this august House. I also rise
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Anybody to support the Vote 19. Vote 19 enjoy
against the continuation? None. It is then the support of the Namibian people.
so decided that we break for tea. With However, on condition that this amount
that Honourable Shangheta, you may of money is meant for development
proceed. projects in Namibia and not for uncalled
fall investments. This must be the
MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very condition. Honourable Chairperson, the
much Comrade Chairperson. I am now Namibian society is sick and tired of
appealing to the Ministry of Trade and news about its own money being spent
Industry to follow-up and to fulfil it’s on wantons, on ghost projects and
promises because the people and the untraceable companies without anybody
community are waiting for this project to being held responsible. Now the
take place in Otavi. Ministry of Trade if they have no
business to make or to run like my
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Comrade has just narrated, industrial
member, there is also a big need to parks are one that are meant for the
introduce an open market at Combat so development in regions and
that the people can be able to sell their constituencies respectively. It marks a
products which they are producing at the lot of activities to put up an industrial
Government resettlement farm namely park in a given constituency, small it
Neu-Sammarou. These people are may be a lot of surveyors one after the
producing a lot of commodities, but other. I think now the Ministry is no
there is no collective place for the longer proactive but is reactive. This
market to sell their products but the land surveyors and experts are those one that
is already available. What is needed is failed, maybe when their pockets are
only to put up an open market structure dry, they say hey, “look I think you need
so that people can start with their a project somewhere to carry out a
projects of self employment. And again, survey if at all they have”. Then they
I want the Ministry of Trade and wake up and check to suggest. This
Industry to look into this issue as a Ministry has to put its house in order so
matter of urgency. that it least spear-head its own projects
whether it is NDC or ODC. But it asks
no time, not even formal signatures to
130
follow normal procedures that money is planning and some other technical things
invested somewhere and disappear. they are talking about. One may not
understand, but money is really going.
I think this amount which is N$107 434
000 will be toped up with another one We believe until such a time that we
hundred million. It will be here so that it even have experts of our own that we
will make up a total budget allocated to will have the country at heart and when
this ministry that we are eager to they are asked to carry out some of these
approve so that they will give this activities they do it with honour and
country the information that money that humanity. Otherwise, Comrade
was unwisely spent and invested is back Chairperson, we keep on approving
into the coffers of the nation and well money and at the end of the day we will
spent for the purposes it was meant for. not escape the blame from the public out
Therefore, Honourable members, when there. But we do not want to be part of
we are here we are trying to also speak the blame if we are not part of the whole
the minds of the people we are dealing. If they want to be blamed
representing, and these people we are together let them involve us in heavy
talking about are those ones that are activities so that we will be part of them
eager to hear. They are not to question if not, they have to take the blame and I
the Ministry of Trade, but they are think the question of the NDC or ODC
questioning their politicians that they of pointing figures anyway is not
elected to offices that approve this building anything. All what we want is
money to those ministries. It is therefore for the money to be brought back in the
our responsibility, and I think it is more Government’s coffers. That is all.
the responsibility of those who call Thank you very much.
themselves the watch dogs in the
opposition. They should bark, they VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
should be seen. For Phil ya Nangolo, I Honourable Hakaye. Any further
think is money well invested. It is good discussion? I see none. Any objection?
for him, he never had a problem with The Vote is agreed to. Honourable
that for he is always embracing what is members, I shall now put the last Vote
damaging this Government. He is very for today. Vote 20, Agriculture, Water
much busy with some other things but and Forestry – N$634 443 000.00. Any
not human rights as it is. discussion? Honourable Hakaye.
On that note madam Chairperson, MR. HAKAYE: Thank you again
Honourable members, in our region for Comrade Chairperson, Agriculture
instance the only industrial park we can needless to say because it is repeatedly
claim of; is the one at the regional year-in and year-out the back bone of
headquarters which I think is very small each and every nation. My Founding
for the region as far is Omusati is President once upon a time or even
concerned. There has been some works several times said repeatedly that ``a
towards putting one in my home nation that is not able to feed itself or is
constituency but it is taking so much not self-sufficient in food is a doom
time. So much money is already gone for nation``. In spite of the fact that we have
the surveying and carrying out this the calamities that stroke our country
131
over the years, the yield of agriculture in these tons, and it will generate you so
our country left much to be desired. This much. Then we automatically get one
time we had good rain, but at any point per cent from the profit. Then we will
in time we are not able to satisfy this leave you. These amounts will maybe
country with agricultural products. One enable you to maintain the tractor you
of the facts if I am not mistaken is that acquired to buy fertilizers, to pay
two-third of the Namibian territory is workers, to do A,B,C or D, but you
commercial farm land either with cattle cannot just give a grant of one or two
but they call it agriculture animal million dollars to a person who is just
husbandry or crop production. But the maybe having N$500 000 and then we
crop and animal may be animal but is expect him or her to pay back. By what
not doing the country good enough to means? I think we have enough officials
claim victory over that. who have quite a good number of
experiences. Then this experience can be
On crop Comrade Chairperson, said and laid down because if there is
Honourable members, we are far from rain, there is no point for one to say ``no
claiming. We have the then well-off I am not able to pay``. If I am guaranteed
commercial farmers that are now maybe and you know I sell my products. It must
politically depriving this country of good be automatic that certain amount or one-
production and upholding the creep of third is going back to Agri-Bank so that
the land. The most fertile land is being other people can be assisted and then
held by them but they are not producing Agri-Bank will be in a better position to
enough from it. They are emerging the assist us.
black empowerments that are joining the
commercial farming; some of them lack Comrades, I am a farmer by nature
knowledge and skills, materials and because I am a peasant so to say,
agricultural implements. Some are trying subsistence farmer, we live on that and
to produce but the market is not when it comes to that I think we have
available to them and therefore limited experience as it might be. We
especially when it comes to people who have in Omusati region, Etunda
are resettled by the Government or who irrigation project. It is a huge and good
are through Agri-Bank acquired farm name but what does it produce to this
and the Agri-Bank is crying fowl; one country? Absolutely nothing. They were
may say that people are not able to pay some Italians managing it but now I
back their loans. Yes, it might be true know it is under black empowerment
and I agree but the policy in place is not and as you have seen Honourable
that convenient enough. Agri-Bank members, through the media, especially
should put at its desk well formulated television may not have good intention
policies of paying back and guarantee to cover it the way it is supposed to be
those people that are acquiring farms covered. Etunda is in a mess under
through them, implement by means of black empowerment. Something
which they can cultivate a market were somewhere is fishy when it comes to
to sell their products and put in place Etunda irrigation project. The current
certain mechanisms, automatic payment. Minister himself has gone there now and
You sell your product on such an again, but I don’t think he have spoken
amount, they put in tons or whatever, to the right people. If people live in fear,
132
if you do not understand their plight and down. Please these people should look
you put them together with the people into that waste. I am not saying that
that may not make them say what they people must not be left for the service
want to say, they will never give you rendered for we need to assist others that
that information. If they give you, then do not have. We also have the right to
you get it. But a good atmosphere need claim on the wasting that is being
to be created and studied, otherwise it experienced in most of our areas because
will be a white-elephant. It is a very it does not take one week or so. A month
good plot, quite big enough, very fertile or so can past. The water is going and
and can yield enough products. As for wasted but people do not react.
now, and even the worse matter of the
thing is that the people (employees) that All together we have to give much credit
are there are now suffering at the hands to the Ministry by providing a big
of their own brothers and sisters. No number of rural people with water
more white community one may say. despite the hardship of licking water
But for how long, exploitation is just especially in my home region and
exploitation. No matter by who, it can be constituency. We are complaining about
white exploitation, black, brother or water because we have it and we are
father exploitation, the name of the game asked to protect it and to take good care
is just exploitation and is forbidden and of it. I don’t have a problem with that.
outlawed in the Namibian society. No But with the wastage and other
one is allowed to exploit any other observations I made. Comrade
Namibian in this country. Chairperson and Honourable members, I
think I have a problem there. With these
Therefore, Comrade Chairperson, I have few observations, I support the Vote and
much so to say especially on the I thank you.
provision of rural water which is yet
another condition. It is about to defeat its VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
purpose because even people are saying Honourable Hakaye. Honourable
we are not buying water by the service. I Kankoshi, you may now take the floor
know precisely that a lot of money is you will be followed by Honourable
being paid for the provision of water to Siwombe.
rural, town and anywhere. But a lot of
money is also being wasted by the same MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very
companies. It can be Namwater, it can much Comrade Chairperson of the
be rural water, because if a tap or water Committee of the whole House,
point that belongs to a community is not Honourable members, I rise to support
performing, then the rural water have got Vote 20 which is Agriculture, Water and
the right to shut it down. But when it has Forestry. I am going to be very brief
burst somewhere, water is licking, it can because much has been said by our
even take a month, and that is the Chief Whip. I will only say something
Government’s money that is going in on the earth dams. As we received good
millions. You can report it but no one rain this season and the prediction is that
comes. What is the difference, that this it may be repeated during the next three
water is consumed by the local people to four years. I am humbly appealing to
there? They have got the liberty to shut it the line Ministry to consider the
133
construction and the building of earth departments with regard to rural
dams to harvest the rain water mostly for development.
animal consumption. By so doing the
Ministry will be in line with the 2006/07 The Agriculture, Water and Forestry
budget which is pro-poor and pro- Ministry’s Green Scheme initiative has
growth. Purified water will only be used been welcomed by the rural people,
for human consumption while animals especially those who want to improve
used the water in the dams. For example their lives through agricultural
in Oshikoto region we have many places production. One would however like to
were those dams can be constructed as see this ministry intensifying its efforts
long as the regional councillors are being in providing water supply to rural
consulted by the line Ministry. So we communities. For example, my own
have got many, just to mention a few, we constituency, like many others in
have one at Erombe and Amukomangele Kavango region, has a very fertile soil
in Onayena constituency. Those are the which is suitable for agricultural
places were water can be harvested and production both on a small and large
stay there for long. scale. If water pipelines are laid to
supply rural communities with a reliable
Having said that, Comrade Chairperson resource of water they would be able to
of the Committee of the whole House support themselves through agricultural
and the Honourable members, I support production. This will reduce their
the Vote and I thank you. dependence on Government food
handouts. Here I am specifically
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you referring to rural water supply for both
Honourable Kankoshi, Honourable drinking and small scale agricultural
Siwombe you may take the floor. production, such as vegetable gardening
from which they can earn an income to
MS SIWOMBE: Thank you comrade support their families.
Chairperson, Honourable members of
this august House. I rise to add my voice I therefore would like to urge the
to those who have made contributions to ministry to send its technicians and
the debate on the national budget before agricultural extension officers to visit
us. my constituency and other constituencies
in the region to assess the viability of the
I commend the Finance Minister for project I am talking about. The Ministry
tabling this budget which she has is also doing a commendable job with
described a pro –poor and pro-growth. I regard to ensuring sustainable
should also state clearly from the onset management of natural resources in rural
that I support it. However, there are areas through conservancies and
certain aspects that I would like to effective forestry management.
highlight with regard to the allocations
and functions and roles of some However, the trees that are being cut are
Ministries. In this regard I am referring not being replaced with new ones. The
to those areas which should be given ministry should therefore encourage
priority by the Ministry and its communities to plant new trees to
replace those that are being cut. I mean
134
even we as regional councillors it is our line Ministry and departments. I must
assignment to do that. As much as we as once again express my support the Vote
Councillors are already doing that, the of the Ministry and departments I have
ministry has the expertise and should referred to in my contribution, but would
therefore come in to help. I also feel that be happy if the outlined area receive
the food for Work Programme should be attention as a matter of urgency. I thank
encouraged to continue, because its you Comrades. Have a safe journey back
contribution to rural development has home.
been enormous so far, it means they
have to improve countrywide. At the VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
same time the Ministry should also Honourable Siwombe. Honourable
consider increasing the amount of food Martin you may take the floor.
and money that are being given to
participants in this programme, cash for MR. MARTIN: Thank you very much
work and food for work. This will serve Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
as an incentive to get more people into members of this august House, I rise to
the programme and because these people support Vote 20 the budget for the
depend on this programme for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and
livelihood. Forestry. Comrade Chairperson, allow
me to say something on water sector,
Finally, I strongly feel that the National which is a life sector. The Ministry of
Planning Commission should start Agriculture, Water and Forestry need to
providing the projects in Kavango region be congratulated for the achievements
that have been identified for funding and when is comes to the rural water supply
I am saying this because: In the over the past 10 to 15 years.
Kavango region we are still waiting for
funds to implement projects we have It is a fact that the majority of the
recommended to receive funding from Oshana region has now access to clean
EU Fund. We strongly feel that these water. We are quite grateful for such a
funds should be implemented this year. commitment as it is a great relief for our
People are asking and we do not know people. We say in Oshana language
what to tell them. Some of those projects “Waapandula-noyaka”.
are: Siya Disabled Project; Kapako
Agricultural Project; Tsavana Gardening VICE-CHAIRPERSON: You may
Project, and many others in Mpungu, interpret the Oshana language for us
Kahenge, Rundu Urban, Rural West and please.
east, Mashare, Ndiyona and Mukwe, just
to mention a few. We are still waiting MR. MARTIN: It means “whoever is
for funds for these projects. not thankful for whatever that is done
will end up stealing”. In this case we are
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable indeed thankful. However Comrade
members of this august House, I have Chairperson, allow me to state few
highlighted a few of the projects, but words on the water aspects which still
many of them are planned in our needs to be addressed. There is a need to
regional documents of project’s further increase water supply in rural
recommendation and is already with the
135
areas like Uuvudhiya and Okatjali in some nice areas of our grass root
constituencies. Obuga. We welcome the effort to
empower the local community by
The Ministry should continue to assist declaring some areas as the community
the community with boreholes in the far forestry.
remote areas that are needed to be drilled
so as to have water available. There are Comrade Chairperson, we want the
some areas with good grazing land but ministry to take note of the following
animals cannot be taken there because issues so as to be considered in the
there is no water. The Ministry should allocation of the budget forestry and
also guard against the tendency of some field fire are the main problem not only
farmers who treat the Government in Oshana region but in many parts of
owned boreholes as their private our country. We note that the ministry
property. This is particularly true for should encourage and support the rural
those boreholes that end-up in private communities to participate in preparation
fences. of fire cutting line such as to prevent the
spread of fire when it takes place.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members of this august House, there are With these few concerns Comrade
good rain seasons like the one of this Chairperson, I support the Vote 20.
year. In many cases Oshana region
receives a lot of water through seasonal VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
floods but they are always left to pass Honourable Martin, Honourable !Gobs
and evaporate without any effort of you may take the floor.
harvest such water in the form of an
earth dam as Comrade Kankoshi MR. !GOBS: Honourable Chairperson,
mentioned. When ever we are asked for Honourable members, I rise to deliberate
more earth dam; budget constrain is on this Vote which allocation has been
always mentioned. I would like to urge decreased from last year’s allocation. I
this Ministry responsible for this Vote to do not really understand why they cut on
take earth dams as a priority. the requested amount if this Ministry is
dealing with rural people. The extension
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable officers who studied with Government
members, allow me to say a few words funds must not be office bound. They
on the forest sector. We take note of the must go out to the farmers, give
progress made in the sector over the past assistance to them and attend to their
years, uncontrolled cutting of wood in problems, but if they are given minimum
many parts of our country have been funds restricted kilometres, how can we
brought down to a great extend. Many assist these people in the rural areas?
people adopt the use of alternative
materials such as cement, sand, bricks As we know the Kunene region is vast.
etc. Tree planting activities are taking Most of the areas are mountainous, thus
place in many parts. We in Oshana you cannot compare this region with
region are pleased with the research other regions. When it comes to rural
activities that are going on in our region water supply, I am very much ashamed
to determine what type of tree can grow to discuss this in this august House,
136
because within Kunene region livestock administered by the staff members of the
are dying because of lack of water. The Ministry as they are expertise among
Directorates are now sitting with 2 to 3 those men and women. By saying the
years backlog on complains from the abovementioned, I am doubtful whether
farmers. This is only from the farmers of the Ministry will accomplish its goals
Kunene South. The staff members can with the ever increasing complains and
not go out to attend to the complains backlogs with this decreased budget
because of no SNTs, limited kilometres, allocation, but let us wait and see. I rest
no stock available even that the my case by supporting this Vote. I thank
operations of the offices in Khorixas has you very much.
been moved to Opuwo that if someone
want to do something you first have to VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank
get permission from Opuwo office Honourable !Gobs. Honourable Kavetu
which is a long cumbersome channel. you may take the floor.
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable MS KAVETU: Thank you Honourable
members, the infrastructure like dams Chairperson, Honourable members, I
and windmills are damaged on a daily would like to voice out my concern that
basis by the elephants in Kunene South is at the Northern Kunene region.
as the elephant population has increased Honourable members of this august
drastically. When ever the elephants did House, I am deeply concern about this
not get water or sometimes after red line. Farmers in Kunene North do
drinking they start to pull down the not have access to good buyers of their
windmill, damage the water tanks and animals, because of the red line. They
dams. If the farmers come to report these have tried to voice out their concerns to
damages they are either told that there is the Ministry of Agriculture, especially
no transport or equipment is not the Department of the Veterinary, but
available or there are no funds. nothing has improved.
The other issue concerning the Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
Community Based Management members, on 8 March 2006, the farmers
Program is that it is supposed to ensure in Northern Kunene held a meeting with
the upgrading of water points before it is the Director of Agriculture Department
handed over to the communities but at of Veterinary. The aim of the meeting
some places this does not happen. The was for the farmers to voice out their
water points are first upgraded with concerns about how their living standard
everything then handing over take place, is affected by the red line. The Director
people have to sit with old engines and declared that the red line will not be
rust pipes within the boreholes. Thus, I removed. He further stated that it is a
will appeal to the Ministry to look into disease control point. If it is removed the
this program so that it reaches the goals. spreading of diseases will increase
It must be mentioned that the nation-wide. He also encourage the
constructing of private contractors or farmers to comply with disease
drilling program is costly. I would controlling measures and further
suggest that the Ministry obtain modern requested the farmers to brand their
equipment that this program be animals and ear tag them clearly.
137
Honourable Chairperson, while these
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable things are in the process, the
members, since that day until today I Government has to provide good buyers
don’t have any understanding of what he to the people of Kunene North. The
meant by disease spreading nation-wide farmers said that they are not repeating
if the red line is removed. My themselves but they are saying what is
understanding from what the Director really affecting their lives.
said is confronted by the following:
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
The animals in Kunene North contribute members, I support the vote and I thank
to Namibia’s meat production that is you.
exported to other countries especially in
Europe and South Africa, our close VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.
neighbour. And I never heard that meat Sorry, the Honourable is already finished
from Kunene North is not healthy. Honourable Sabiya. Honourable
Katoma you may now take the floor.
Honourable Chairperson, should I say
our poor farmers of Kunene North are MR. KATOMA: Thank you very much
neglected by the Government of this Honourable Chairperson of the
country? Or why is it that their concern Committee of the whole House I rise to
is not heard as they are citizens of this whole heartedly support Vote 20, for the
country like any other citizens? The allocation of N$634 443 000 00 to the
farmers in Kunene North always have to Ministry of Agriculture, Water and
sell 3 cattle in order to be able to send Forestry.
their children to school, and this is
because they do not have access to good Honourable Chairperson, this Vote deals
buyers. with a very important aspect of water
provision, as we rightfully sing that
Honourable Members, farming is water is life. This is a basic human
business through which the farmers have commodity that a human being and any
to contribute to the country’s economy other living organism cannot survive
and job growth. Therefore, I would like without. Hence, there is a great need to
to request the Ministry of Agriculture allocate sufficient resources to this Vote
and the Ministry of resettlement to come so that it can enable to maintain the basic
together and premeditate the Kunene human daily needed services. In this
Northern farmers to be the first to be Vote under its activity called rural
resettled whenever the Ministry of secondary pipeline construction. I hope
Resettlement is resettling farmers so that this will cater for so many pipeline
they become productive like other schemes that are under construction and
farmers. Furthermore, the Government possibly preparation of the new schemes.
has to consider the removal of red line
and in the meantime they have to replace Being a representative of Omusati region
the Angola and Namibia red line where which is one of the beneficiary to this
animals comes in which may transfer Vote, with the completion of the first
diseases. phase and indeed the beginning of the
second phase of Tsandi South water
138
project scheme that has been long
awaited to relief the communities of both VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Onesi, Tsandi and Okahao Honourable Katoma, Honourable
constituencies respectively from the Nakwafila you may take the floor than
hardship of water shortage. you will be followed by the last person
Honourable Mwilima.
Omusati region being a second well
populated region in the whole country, a MR. NAKWAFILA: Thank you
lot still need to be done in this regard, comrade Chairperson, Honourable
because the region is faced with a Members I rise to express my
serious water shortage especially in unwavering support to this vote. I will
Ruacana and Otamanzi constituency. So be brief and I will confine myself to the
Comrade Chairperson while other areas water sector. I would like to thank the
are speaking of water shortage there are ministry for developing water
some areas in Omusati which have got infrastructures country wide.
no source of portable water, to mention Ohangwena region which is the third
but a few, Ruacana and Otamanzi is one populated region after Khomas and
of them. My appeal to the Ministry of Omusati with the population of over two
Agriculture Water and Forestry should hundred and forty thousands have also
seriously look at this. benefited from the water infrastructure
development.
Comrade Chairperson, every year the
Directorate of Forestry used to carry out We thank the Government of the
a field fire prevention programme by Republic of Namibia for funding the
constructing unemployed youth in this long awaited project called Indagu
area to clear up certain cut lines that are Owambutu Water Pipeline which is
made to prevent fire from spreading and currently an on-going project. This
destroying the whole grazing area, that project will provide clean water to over
have to be encouraged and supported by 20% of the people in the region.
every stake holder. But looking at the
way the payment of this constructed Many boreholes were also drilled in our
youth groups is handled by the region but some were not successful
Directorate or by who ever is because the under ground water is salty
responsible, this does not encourage the and does not fit for human and animal
effort at all. This payment is taking too consumption.
long to reach the beneficiaries and as a
result many groups get frustrated and In order to solve this problem I am
eventually drop out. For example a recommending that the Ministry should
work that has been done in September finance the proposed and submitted
last year up to this moment the payment project on feasibility study on the project
has not been made to the beneficiaries, called Eenhana, Okongo and Water
so this is not good at all and the Ministry Pipeline. This will alleviate the plight of
has to see to it that this problem is the communities who continue to
alleviated if we want this youth group to consume water which contain high
continue carrying out this exercise. I content of fluoride. Fluoride is a toxic
thank you. substance which affects the health of our
139
people, a good example is Ondijahera of land can be well utilized it can be very
the Omukukutu wa Mbekele if you go to important to the economy of our
that area the children and the young country. Therefore, in line with this I am
people are developing a reddish or of the opinion that it is time that we
brownish colour because of that consider the field and agricultural
substance now and that toxic substance college in the Caprivi region.
can also effect the bones of the people.
Therefore we are recommending that Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
area should be provided with water pipes members, it is always been said that
and the affected constituencies like water is life. I am glad as I am talking to
Ondaungilo, Epembe and Okongo. I am you now that the Katima Liyandi
also reminding the Ministry to consider pipeline is now functioning; people have
services they render to their fellow started benefiting from it. However, the
community members. project is not yet completed. It needs to
be connected up to Kongola. I would
With these few words Comrade therefore like to request the Ministry to
Chairperson, I support the Vote and I consider some of the proposals by the
thank you. Caprivi Regional Council in terms of
water provision in the region.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Honourable Nakwafila. I will now give 1. The Katima Congola pipeline
the floor to Honourable Mwilima. will also benefit Sibbinda
Constituency need to be looked
MWILIMA: I will be brief. First I into.
would like to thank the Minister and his 2. Katima Ngoma pipeline with
Deputy for this Vote, the Ministry of branches to Muyako and Lusese
Agriculture, Water and Forestry. This is in Katima Rural and Kabbe
one of the important and very crucial constituency respectively. It
Ministries. I therefore feel that the needs to be taken into
amount allocated to this ministry in consideration.
future it should be increased.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable members, the region has been suffering
members, I am of the opinion that time some extremes in time when we have
have come for us to work more, or look flood and time when we have drought.
into modern agriculture skills in terms of Therefore, I would like to join other
production. We need more expertise in Honourable members who are calling for
this field. We have to be able to produce time to start harvesting this water.
more with fewer pieces of land other
than having more land and produce less In conclusion Comrade Chairperson,
almost nothing. Honourable members, we can have all
the minerals in this world but we have
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable no guarantee. In 50 years or so are we
members, the Caprivi region as I have still going to have the same minerals?
already stated, we have such a fertile But with agriculture we can be sure that
land which can grow any crop and if that once we explore better, utilize our land
140
well, we can be sure of the future MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
because we always have our land at our Comrade Chairman, Honourable
disposal. With these few words, I members of this august House. In terms
support the Vote and I thank you. of mandate vested in the Standing
Committee on Privileges of the National
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Council Standing Rulers and Orders.
Honourable Mwilima. Any further The Committee has in its recent meeting,
discussion? Any objection? The Vote is held on the 15 May 2006, investigated of
agreed to. Honourable members, we will its own accord the non-compliance with
continue on Monday with Votes 21, 22, Section 9(1) and Section 7 of the
23 and 24, which is Prisons and National Council Code of Conduct by
Correctional Services, Fisheries and the following three Honourable members
Marine Resources, Works, Transport and namely: Honourable S. Mogotsi,
Communication, Land and Honourable L. Kavetu, and Honourable
Resettlements. I am just highlighting so T. Diergaardt.
that Honourable members know what to
prepare themselves for on Monday. Honourable Chairman, Honourable
Having said that, I shall report progress members the meeting afforded each
and seek leave to sit again. Comrade Honourable member an opportunity to
Chairman, I wish to report progress and explain the reason for his/her non-
seek leave to sit again. compliance. In the Code of Conduct all
the three Honourable members therefore
CHAIRMAN: Honourable Mensah- admitted guilt on failing to comply with
Williams, leave is granted, you may take the provisions of the Code of Conduct
a sit. The Secretary will read the second with explanations of course. The
order of the day. Committee has entertained and looked
into the explanations rendered to the
SECOND ORDER READ: Committee by the Honourable members
respectively. Therefore, the Committee
SECRETARY: Reports Motivation after discussing and studying those
Debate – Report of the National explanations unanimously decided to
Council Standing Committee of find all three members guilty in terms of
Privileges our Namibian Constitution. We, the
Honourable members of Parliament have
CHAIRPERSON: Does the Honourable the responsibility to disclose of our
Hakaye move the report. financial and business interest.
Therefore, we should lead as members
MR. HAKAYE: Yes, I do move of Parliament by example. That is what
Comrade Chairperson. this Committee exactly has looked into
after realizing that our House has
CHAIRPERSON: Who seconds? Any experienced that situation.
objection? Agreed to. Please table the
report. Honourable Hakaye, now you I, therefore Honourable members of this
have the floor. august House, call upon you Honourable
members to support or to study this
motion and support it on the non-
141
compliance with the provisions of the Honourable members intend do us not
Code of Conducts of the National bad as the Committee have listened to
Council by the said or above-mentioned their explanations and they also accepted
Honourable members. So I move that although they had reasons but it was
Comrade Chairman. wrong which a very good step is for
National Council indeed. However, the
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much Code of Conduct is very clear that we
Honourable Hakaye. Any further have given them now a time frame
discussion? Honourable Ndemula you although they got the reprimand, we
may take the floor. gave them a time frame and if they fail
to comply in the time frame then you
MR. NDEMULA: Thank you very have to now investigate again why did
much Honourable Chairman. I have these people fail a second time? Every
looked at the report and the investigation time you have to investigate according to
thereof. On 2.2 the Committee raised our Code of Conducts and after you have
that the explanation was not possible given a fair chance because natural
enough to execute to the non-compliance justice is there you have to give
in the National Council Code of Conduct everybody a fair chance so then you can
and find each of them guilty of valuation come up with all the other penalties that
of the Code. Going to the is stipulated in the Code of Conducts.
recommendations, well, the Committee But since they are four penalties the
then recommended that the Honourable Committee is requested in the House to
members comply with the said Section endorse the penalty of reprimand since
by the May 30, 2006 and failed which we felt that intend do us not bad of the
they shall be liable for further Honourable members. Thank you.
investigation and action by the
Committee. I was only having that query CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion
of the investigation knowing that they before I finally give Honourable Hakaye
have failed, now why should there be the floor to respond. None, Honourable
again an investigation instead of just Hakaye you may take the floor.
action be taken? Thank you very much.
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Comrade Chairman and the House again.
Honourable Mensah-Williams. I think the Deputy of Chairperson almost
said it all that the query of the
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Honourables or the concern is, we can
Honourable Chairman, Honourable not say that ``we give you that time so
members, I would just like to as member you failed we impose you this or that
of the Committee assist Honourable penalty``. Still that causes him/her to
Hakaye in responding to Honourable delay or not to comply, the other time
Ndemula. The Code of Conduct is very may not be the same because it needs to
clear. Obviously as you read there, there be investigated and looked into
is a reprimand proposed by the thoroughly and therefore apply an
Committee and there is also a deadline appropriate penalty if that warrants other
for the three Honourable members to than just standing say no. The law seems
comply. I have to however also say, the
142
to be so much clear to accommodate the needs for disclosure since October
each and every unforeseen eventuality. 2005.
Therefore, that investigation definitely Furthermore, reminders have been sent
have a purpose to serve, and in so doing to you and you have been warned of
if the Honourable really agree with possible consequences of you not
explanation offered and with the complying with the provision of Code
recommendation the Committee prior to the occurrence in question. This
recommended to this august House, I august House therefore has no choice but
take it as a blessing or endorsement of to hereby reprimand you not to repeat
this report that finally gives the the same conduct. Repetition would
Committee to carry out this decision as attract further action from this House. If
approved by this august House. I think there are problems with compliance with
as we indicated clearly that the august this Code the august House recommend
House that is the House of review, the that you seek assistance from the
House of people’s representative should Secretary of the National Council.
definitely lead by example in all of its Compliance is therefore required
conducts. This was one among the good immediately and at least by May 30
signing example we can say to this 2006. Failing to do so, further action by
country that when we are here we mean the House will be contemplated in
business. With that thank you very much accordance with the Rule of the National
Honourable Comrades and colleagues Council. I wish you all the best.
that we unanimously own this decision Honourable members, that was the order
now. I thank you very much. of the day. Is there any other business?
There being none. Honourable Chief
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much Whip Hakaye could you take the floor
Honourable Hakaye. I now put the and adjourned the House. Honourable
question that the report be adopted. Any Hakaye please take the floor.
secondment? Any objection? Agreed
to. Honourable Deputy Minister MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much.
Mogotsi, Honourable Kavetu, Comrade Chairman, having no any other
Honourable Diergaardt, the non- business for we have exhausted the
compliance with Section 9(1) and business of today and knowing that
Section 7 of the Code of Conduct is a today is Thursday, Honourable members
serious matter. Indeed the powers, those who are travelling back to their
privileges and immunities of the home constituencies and villages, I wish
Parliament Act, Act no 17 of 1996 puts you all the best and urge you to drive
great emphasis on the need of safely. This august House stand
parliamentarians to disclose their adjourned until May. 22 2006. So I
business and financial interests. move.
However, this august House has taken
into consideration that this is your first CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
non-compliance and that you regret it. objection? Agree to. The House stands
You also have been fully aware of the adjourned until Monday 09:30.
policies and the requirements regarding
COUNCIL ADJOURNED
143
COUNCIL CHAMBER conducted from 8 – 31 August 2005. So
I move.
WINDHOEK
CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
22 MAY 2006 objection? Agreed to. Honourable
member, you may table your motion.
The Council met pursuant to
adjournment. MR. HAKAYE: Thank you Honourable
The Chairman took the Chair. Chairman, before tabling the motion,
Prayers and Affirmation. while on this I would also like to bring
to the attention of this august House
CHAIRMAN: The House is called to because it is a Honourable member of
order. Good morning Honourable my Committee Honourable Namwandi
members, today is the International Barakias that his dear father past away
Biodiversity day and it is very cold. I over the weekend. I therefore urge this
wish you well on your endeavour as august House to join the Namwandi
groups so as individuals in protecting family and extend our sincere and deep
our environment. Are there any grievances to the Namwandi family and
petitions? Any reports of Select that the Almighty bless them and
Committees? Any reports and papers? appease them at this very moment of
Any notices of motions? Honourable sadness. Thank you very much Comrade
Hakaye. Chairman.
MR. HAKAYE: Comrade Chairman, I CHAIRMAN: Sorry to hear that
hereby move a motion without notice Honourable member. Any further
that the proceedings on Vote 21, 22, 23, notices of motions? The Secretary will
24 and 25 of the Appropriation Bill [B.2 read the order of the day.
– 2006] be in accordance with Rule
15(3) of the Standing Rules and Order of FIRST ORDER READ:
the National Council not be interrupted
if still under consideration at 13:00. So I SECRETARY: Debate on Committee
move. Stage – Appropriation Bill [B.2 –
2006].
CHAIRMAN: Any secondment? Any
objection? Agreed to. Honourable CHAIRMAN: It is moved that I leave
Hakaye you may table your motion. Any the Chair. Who seconds? Any objection?
further notices of motions? Honourable Agreed to. The Vice-Chairperson of the
Hakaye you may continue. Council and Chairperson of the
Committee of the whole Council will
MR. HAKAYE: Once again Comrade now take the Chair. Honourable
Chairman, I give notice that tomorrow Mensah-Williams you may take the
Tuesday, May 23 2006, I shall move the Chair.
Report of the National Council Standing
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Good
and Security on its regional visits morning Honourable members, the
Committee of the whole Council is
144
called to order. Honourable members, I Minister, Comrade Nguvauva was in the
shall now put Vote 21, Prisons and region last year and I was able to visit
Correctional Services – N$189 656 000. some areas with him. It is at these
Any discussion? Any objection? The meetings where some of the concerns for
Vote is agreed to. I shall now put Vote these communities were discussed. It’s
22, Fisheries and Marine Resources – also good that most of these Managers in
N$ 131 914 000. Any discussion? these fish ponds are well trained
Honourable Mwilima you may take the Managers. They have been trained by
floor. the Ministry in different areas, I am
aware of those who were in Malawi.
MR. MWILIMA: Thank you very This is good because we have people
much Comrade Chairperson, Honourable who are well trained on the ground.
members of this august House. First and
foremost, let me thank the Minister of Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Fisheries, his Deputy and the entire staff members, it is disturbing to note that
for this Vote. what happened at one of the fish ponds
namely at Likunganelo fish farm at
Comrade Chairperson, we all know that Likisikili in my constituency last year
the whole V-sell balanced diet can go a where over 5000 fish were poisoned.
long way in improving the health of our This is not acceptable. As a Councillor
bodies. Therefore, it is important that of that constituency I am aware that this
fish consumption to be encouraged in case is in the hands of the police and the
our Republic. It is also my concern that culprits should be brought to book
some foreign companies have been whenever the investigating officials are
found fishing illegally on our waters. approved. It is with this in mind that I
This is not acceptable and I call upon call upon the communities to safeguard
heavy punishment for those who are these facilities and to report any
found guilty in this brackets. suspicious persons who are trying to
undermine our development.
The other issue I would like to address is
the programme of aqua-culture as fish Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
farming in our country. I want to once members, with these few words, I
again thank the Ministry for making an support the Vote and I thank you.
effort in this regard. I am aware of fish
ponds which are operational in our VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
country and especially in the Caprivi Honourable Mwilima. Any further
region. We have two in Katima Rural discussion? Honourable Ndemula.
constituency namely Litapi and
Likunganelo fish ponds and there is one MR. NDEMULA: Thank you very
in Kalimbeza in Kabbe constituency. It much Honourable Vice-Chairperson, let
is my hope that more fish ponds need to me also something on Vote 22.
be constructed in other areas such as Honourable Vice-Chairperson,
Ebbu, Mahundu as well as in other Honourable members, I support the
constituencies such as Linyanti, Kabbe, allocation to the Ministry even though I
Sibinda and Kongola. I am also glad to feel that it is not enough. Honourable
mention that the Honourable Deputy Chairperson of the whole House
145
Committee, I am quite happy with the
activities which are carried by the VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Any further
Ministry of Fisheries. This Ministry discussion? Honourable Deputy
must be commended in coming up with Minister, I think I will put you last so
the vessel monitory system on the that we can first have Honourable
vessels. Those vessels which are fishing Nicanor, maybe there are issues that will
illegally in our exclusive economic zone be raised that you need to answer.
and those dumping fish will be brought
to book. Another commenting issue is MS NICANOR: Thank you very much
the issue of breaking time, which means Honourable Chairperson of the
that fish will now be allowed to grow Committee of the whole House for the
and to restock again. I am quite happy opportunity, Honourable members of
with that move. this august House. I also rise to make my
humble contribution towards the N$131
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable 914 000.00 allocation made to the
members, the other issue is the issue of Ministry of Fisheries and Marine
the fishing industry which is currently Resources. I am proud to say that the
going down. The fishing industry is fishing sector has been one of the sectors
facing a lot of economic hardship and I in our economy that has been
would want to see the Ministry together contributing greatly to our country’s
with the industry and the workers of the GDP and the foreign exchange earnings.
Trade Unions coming up with a strategy In the same vein I would also like to
at least to overcome these hardships, comment the sector for having been one
because currently we are facing a lot of of the biggest employers in our country
retrenchments in the fishing sector and offering a lot of jobs to hundreds of
also that we are seeing some of the Namibian people. Many Namibians over
fishing factories closing which is the past 16 years have been able to put
bringing economic hardship to our bread on the table for their families,
people. I would then appeal to the households and children and even
Ministry to look into this matter very support their community. Thanks to the
seriously because the economic issue of opportunities this sectors offers. They
Walvis Bay is going very down and we have also earned an income or enabled
normally live on fish. So, we need to them to benefit as holders of fishing
look at the diversification of the whole rights that has made them proud owners
economic. But at least we have seen with of their own companies, something that
the textile industry what the Government was not possible before we as Namibians
is trying to do to rescue Ramatex. It is attained freedom and independence other
also in this view that I would like to see than leadership of Swapo Party. Hence,
the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine my concurrence with Honourable
Resources at least assisting the fishing Kankoshi who would always echo that:
industry with finances and whatever “With Swapo Party Government the
mechanism they can come up with. future of the Namibian people is in good
hands”. The sector as I said provides
Honourable Chairperson, with these few opportunities that are aimed at
words I support the Vote and I thank empowering our previously
you. disadvantaged Namibians through very
146
empowerment policies that the Ministry to continue reaping fruits from this aqua-
has put in place since independence. It is culture, more especially during this year
for that reason that I would be indebted when Namibia was blessed with so much
if I do not comment and congratulate the rain. I believe many of our communities
Honourable Minister of Fisheries and and particularly in rural areas are blessed
Marine Resources, Comrade Dr. with this water of ours and soil that is
Abraham Iyambo affectionately known good for aqua-culture. I believe many
as ``Manitjie``. Comrade ``Manitjie`` more of our Namibians will be able to
and your able team consisting of your engage in this aqua-culture activities and
Deputy Comrade Kilius Nguvauva, your therefore I call upon the Ministry to
esteemed staff, we salute you for a job expand this development to many more
well done over the past few years. areas of our country so that we can
continue to do well in this sector.
Having said all these, I am also aware
that all is not well in our fishing Having said that, I support the Vote and
industry. One wonders nowadays as to I thank you. .
what is really happening in that industry
as Comrade Ndemula has said. The VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
industry over the past few years has Honourable Nicanor. Any further
being characterised by regular and discussion before I give the floor to
periodic industrial actions. One could Honourable Deputy Minister?
hardly see a month passing without Honourable Martin you may take the
hearing about illegal strike, unfair floor.
dismissals, failed wage negotiations, and
you name them. MR. MARTIN: Thank you Comrade
Chairperson, Honourable members of
I want to support the Vote as I said that this august House. I am going to say
this is one of the Ministries that had something on aqua-culture. The Ministry
really been contributing a lot to assist of Fisheries and Marine Resources
our country to address unemployment in developed the aqua-culture in the
the country to reduce poverty among our country as per Government development
people. objective in line with NDP-2 and Vision
2030. Doing this, the Government has
I would then before I sit down like to created enabling environment by putting
also comment and congratulate the a policy of aqua-culture and enacting an
Ministry of Fisheries for their new Aqua-culture Act to regulate aqua-
strategy the aqua-culture development. I culture activities in the country. An
have to thank them because my region Aqua-culture Directorate is established
happened to be one of the few regions with the Ministry of Fisheries and
where our people have started to benefit Marine Resources to spearhead aqua-
from these efforts of aqua-culture and it culture development in the country, thus
is really a welcome move. While I am having their offices situated at Oshana,
supporting this Vote I would really like Katima, Kavango, Erongo, Omusati
to see to it that the Ministry of Fisheries regions.
is assisted in being allocated some more
funds in order to enable our community
147
Honourable Chairperson, members of
this august House, the objective of this With these few remarks, Comrade
directorate is to ensure and to promote Chairperson, Honourable members, I
responsible and sustainable development support the Vote.
of aqua-culture to achieve socio-
economic benefits and the environmental VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
sustainability. If developed, aqua-culture Honourable Martin. Any further
will contribute improved food security, discussion? I shall now give the floor to
poverty reduction and generate Honourable Deputy Minister of Fisheries
employment, add value to rural and Marine Resources, Honourable
livelihood and increase investment. Nguvauva, please take the floor.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable MR. NGUVAUVA: Thank you very
members, furthermore I thank the much Comrade Chairperson. Allow me
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine to be very much brief because I am very
Resources for building an inland Aqua- much happy with the comments that
culture Training Institute at were made by the comrades in this
Kamuchonga in Kavango region. This is august House.
a good move as this situation will
contribute to the development of aqua- During 2006, our infant aqua-culture
culture in the country and that of SADC industry received Government’s
region in general. I comment that the attention. The successes recorded by the
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine freshwater aqua-culture project
Resources to develop another fish farm implemented in various regions
at Epalela in Omusati region. The confirmed that aqua-culture has great
Ministry must continue with its ideas for potential to address rural development
restocking of big lakes and dams such as needs such as food security, poverty
Oponono in Oshana region and explore reduction and increased employment.
other potential site for fish farming. Mari culture in particular has the
potential to generate state revenues and
Honourable members, although the to positively change the economic
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine landscape of this country. However, it is
Resources have achieved that, much in essential to urgently introduce aqua-
developing aqua-culture still need to be culture investment incentives and also
done which requires additional resources urgently address the inhibitive lack of
to be allocated to the Ministry. Enough access to capital for both capture
resources must be made available for the fisheries and aqua-culture development.
development of a fish feed-plant to There is a need to deliberately mobilize
ensure that we produce fish feed locally. resources both locally and from bilateral
The area which needs attention by the and multilateral arrangements.
Ministry of Fisheries is to ensure that
they have qualified personnel in the field According to the budget of the Ministry
of aquaculture to be able to render of Fisheries there are four programmes
proper extension services to the that need funding. That is why I was
community and advice them saying I am very much happy when you
accordingly.
148
were requesting that we should be given allowances catch for 2006/07 that was
more money. These are: done on February 20 2006 in Walvis
Bay. This includes automatically new
1. Fish stocks; closed areas, a closed season,
2. Monitoring, controlling and establishment of exclusive areas for wet
surveillance of fishing activities; fish vessels. The abundance of small fish
3. Development of the Aqua-culture and species living in shallower waters
Sector; are heavily threatened by natural
4. Training of staff members of our predators, particularly, seals that
Ministry. increase natural mortality.
1. FISH STOCKS Comrade Chairperson, to fulfil the
conduct of the survey, stock assessment
The programme relates to research and monitoring of environmental
activities concerning marine and inland fluctuations, an amount of N$41 625 000
fisheries. The ultimatum aim is to ensure is required. The key activities under this
the conservation of our fish stocks and programme will be maintenance and the
long term sustainable harvesting. During running of research vessels and the
the 2005/06 financial year, Government construction of the Inland Fisheries
scientists conducted extensive survey for Research Institute at Kamutjonga in
hake, horse mackerel, monk, orange Kavango region as was mentioned by
roughy and pilchard. A pilchard survey Comrade Martin. This institute will carry
is currently underway conducted by the out scientific research of freshwater
Government scientists and the industry. fisheries which will provide training and
produces fingerlings for distribution to
Honourable Chairperson, it is very much the other new farmers. Part of the funds
important to report that the most recent allocated under this programme will be
hake survey undertaken by Government used to kick-start the progress for the
scientists from January – February 2006 construction of a new marine research
detected that the total biomass of hake in vessel.
Namibia water has increased by 50 per
cent compared to the previous survey in 2. MONITORING, CONTROL
January/February 2005. However, this AND SURVEILLANCE OF
change was largely due to an increase in FISHING ACTIVITIES
juvenile fish portion less than 36
centimetres. Fish of less than 36 An amount of N$77 434 000 is required
centimetres have increased by 123 per for this programme. The key areas to be
cent during that time compared to the covered include the development and
previous survey. This preponderance of deployment of fisheries inspector,
small hake is a good development, but routine operations as well as
summons the crafting of conservation maintenance and insurance of
measures to protect the small fish and to surveillance equipment such as patrol
ensure a healthy spawning biomass in aircraft and vessels. The required
the future. Therefore, we have recently allocation also includes funds budgeted
introduced management measures such for the operations of the Fisheries
as a reduction of the hake total Observer Agency. Therefore, an increase
149
in the financial contribution to the of development of fish farming project at
Agency is necessary to ensure its Leonard Ville in Omaheke region to be
continuing existence and effective able to develop aqua-culture. Dedicated
operations. and sufficient funds should be approved
by our Government and really, it is here
3. DEVELOPMENT OF AQUA- where you have to make your voices
CULTURE SECTOR large so that the Minister of Finance can
hear what you are saying especially as
Government’s effort to develop aqua- you are coming form your
culture in various regions on a pilot basis constituencies. It has been proven as I
has proven that aqua-culture has huge said already that it is clear indication that
potential to enhance food security, with this aqua-culture poverty reduction
reduce poverty, creation employment, and the creation of employment will be
improve rural development and increase there in the regions and in the
exports revenues. Government’s pilot constituencies.
projects concentrate mainly in the
Kavango region, Caprivi region and 4. Training Of Staff Members In
Omusati region. We in the Ministry plan Our Ministry
to cover other regions which have
potential for aqua-culture development. The Namibian Fisheries and Marine
We have already identified and surveyed Resource Centre will continue to
numerous areas with great potential in develop and compete in complex
Karas, Hardap, Oshikoto and Omaheke international market. Therefore there is a
regions. It is worth mentioning that demand to develop new strategies and
aqua-culture will fittingly complement train necessary skills in order to match
the Government’s Green Scheme these competitive demands. Our ministry
Project. Therefore, sufficient resources implement training problems through the
should be allocated to ensure that new Namibian Maritime and Fisheries
projects are also initiated. The total Institute at Walvis Bay. Another major
amount allocated under this programme challenge facing our ministry is the
is N$10 725 000 and this covers money development of skills for the aquaculture
allocated for cooperatives and fish farms sector. Our Ministry is consulting
in Kavango and Caprivi regions for their various countries and local institutions to
harvesting activities, transport of assist us in this score. An allocation of
products to the market, training and N$2 130 000 has been earmarked for
disaster management. I think from 5 – 7 short courses to capture fisheries and
June 2006 it will be in Nikunganelo in aqua-culture, while courses of long
Caprivi region, I don’t know in which duration will be covered under the
constituency it is, but I hope we will marine resource fund.
meet there.
With these few remarks, allow me to
Funds are also allocated for the second assure you the concerns of some of the
phase of the construction of Epalela fish comrades in this august House that really
farm in Omusati region. The first phase we agreed that in some instances, we are
was completed last year and a further facing problems in our Ministry but as a
amount is allocated for the initial stage Ministry we are ready to face them and
150
with your support and the assistance of these bottomless bellies of the self-styled
my Minister, myself, the PS and the engineers year in and year out. These so
whole staff will manage to overcome called qualified engineers or consultants
them. Once again, thank you very much are going to construct their own
and I support the Vote. companies outside the Government
which will have to swallow up all the
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you monies with cheap and poor quality
Honourable Nguvauva, Deputy Minister services. This department was created to
of Fisheries. Any further discussion? carryout correctional, maintenance as
Any objection? The Vote is agree to. I well as to renovate Government
shall now come to Vote 23, Works – premises and properties. In this
N$307 817 000. Any discussion? department, we find all the qualified
Honourable. engineers this country was blessed with.
The De Kocks, Van der Merwes,
MR. HAKAYE: Comrade Chairperson, Viljoens and the likes. My Chairman
Honourable members of this august Honourable Kapere can bail me out the
House, thank you for the opportunity to time when he was a Deputy Minister
make my contribution on the Vote under there. But these are only engineers by
discussion, department of Works. salary and by papers.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, to me there is no much Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
difference between Works; and members, one is now tempted to
Transport and Communication, but for question this big allocation into this
obvious reasons not only for monitory failing department. Government
purposes but for division of labour these properties are at the verge of total
Votes had to be separated in order to destruction, they are dilapidating, falling
ensure efficiency and professionalism. apart, but we have qualified people that
we pay some salaries and lots of benefits
Comrade Chairperson and Honourable on top of those salaries every month end.
members, one wonders as to what is
really happening in our country when it Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
comes to hundreds of thousands of members, why don’t we split or divert
professionals recruited by our these monies to line Ministries for
Government or by the Department of purposes of reconstruction, maintenance
Works and many more others, but I and renovations of Government
would like to confine myself to the buildings and properties? Then maybe
department of Works – N$307 817 000. we hire these so-called engineers from
What is this money for? I mean this is a this very same Ministry, and in so doing
joke of the millennium. Look at the I belief each and every Ministry will put
allocation the Department of Transport up evaluation team for the services
and Communication and that of Lands rendered because it is a given Ministry’s
and Resettlement which is very ironic. funds to which the Ministry is directly
The Ministry of Works does not bring accountable. This is necessary Madam
any penny to Government coffers in Chairperson, Honourable members,
whatsoever way. It is only there to when one judging the performances of
squander all the monies allocated to the department of Works countrywide.
151
Every department or Ministry in this sewerage pipes and gravel roads which
country is worried about the need urgent attention and renovation.
performances of this department. Not The current process of feasibility studies,
only that but the manner in which the documentation and contract
money is being squandered there. One administration, advertisement of tenders,
thing clear here Comrade Chairperson, tender board approval are very slow and
Honourable members is that, something takes even a year while the masses are
fishy is cooking within this department. suffering. It seems that the Department
The very same Viljoen who is the of Works does not have enough
engineer in the Ministry is contracting manpower or if it has something is
his own company under a different wrong somewhere. To give practical
brand. The whole issue is therefore more example, we have Onayena Health
of business or money-making to be Centre in Oshikoto region. Those
specific. Thus Comrade Chairperson, I buildings need an urgent renovation. It
am very seriously challenging the was brought to the attention of the
Ministry of Finance on as to what Department of Works at the end of the
criteria were employed to allocate funds year 2003 but to date nothing is being
to Ministries and Departments. Does the done. The construction has not yet taken
question of performances have any role off, but if you check properly, you will
or feature anywhere or any role to play find out that the so-called project
or what? architects and the quantity surveyors
used during the said period have claimed
With these few observations Comrade their so-called professional fees while
Chairperson, I rest my case and thank the rural poor are suffering. If nothing is
you for your attention. done to that building which is about to
collapse before the next rainy season, the
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you lives of clients, patients and health
Honourable Chief Whip. Honourable workers will be in danger. This might
Kankoshi you may take the floor. also have a psychological effect to
patient(s) who are being admitted in that
MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very health centre.
much Comrade Chairperson of the
Committee of the whole House and Another practical example is of
Honourable members. I rise to support Onyaanya Health Centre. The current
the allocation made to Vote 23, Works. I pharmacy in that health centre is in a
have got the following concerns. We very bad condition. It is old and it is no
have experienced a problem of millions good for keeping medicine and all other
of dollars returning back to treasury at medical related facilities. The outside
the end of each financial year leaving doors are old, damaged and cannot close.
behind the unattended, unfinished The only mortuary which cater for the
projects as attended. This might give population of about 900 000 is out of
impression that we are failing to plan order since 07 April 2006. It is reported
properly or we are planning to fail. It to the Department of Works but nothing
doesn’t sound nice to mention that has been done. Its doors are also old and
millions of dollars have been returned to cannot lock. Sewerage dams at
treasury while we have buildings, Onyaanya Health Centre at Ukule Senior
152
Secondary Schools are not fenced under our operational budget and an
leaving the animals to have free access amount of N$18 000 000 under the
to drink this dirty and unhygienic water. development budget. It remains my hope
that you, my colleagues, line Ministry
Comrade Chairperson of the Committee Offices, Agencies including the general
of the whole House, Honourable public will render us your full support to
members, these are some of the practical accelerate Government development
examples which were brought to the agenda. We requested an amount of
attention of the Department of Works N$275 895 000. Quite a great chunk of
with no practical or concrete solution. I this appropriate amount will be used to
think this experience is not only in fund the operational activities of the
Oshikoto region but the same department of Works, e.g. to pay for
countrywide. Therefore, I also agree office accommodation; carryout housing
with what has been said by Comrade inspections; planning; supervision;
Hakaye that this portion should be monitoring and the execution of building
decentralised to the line Ministries projects; ensure the upkeep of physical
and/or to all 13 regional councils in environment/gardens nation-wide and to
order to speed up the process and for the execute minor maintenance such as to
regional councils in consultation with replace fussed bulbs, leaking taps,
the Regional Directorates of the line kitchen equipment; replacement of panes
Ministries to accelerate, prioritise and in doors and windows at all Government
monitor the whole process whereby local owned buildings except residential
builders or contractors will be recruited. houses, flats and single quarters where
By so doing, we will do away with these the breakage is not on account of a
poor quality builders, and by so doing burglary, burst water pipes, blocked
the black empowerment will be sewerage to Government buildings and
enhanced. Having raised those concerns properties.
Comrade Chairperson, I support the
Vote and I would like to ensure the Honourable Chairperson of the
Namibian people that with the Swapo Committee of the whole House, it is now
Party-Government, their future is common practice that the blame for all
secured. I thank you. Government physically vandalized and
dilapidated properties and buildings are
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you usually laid without proper validation at
Honourable Kankoshi. Honourable our doorsteps. The responsibility to
Deputy Minister Mogotsi you may take maintain assigned Government
the floor. properties/houses remain that of the
concerned institution. The role of my
MR. MOGOTSI: Honourable Ministry is to merely assist with the
Chairperson of the Committee of the technical expertise and advice upon
whole House, Honourable members, I request.
rise in support of Vote 23 – Department
of Works. I would like to use this Honourable Chairperson of the
opportunity to present the said Vote to Committee of the whole House, to
this august House. The total amount maintain and manage Government assets
requested, the amount of 275 895 000 is, indeed a daunting task considering
153
the specialised nature of the activities Once a house is vacated you will
that requires a critical mass of highly find after it has been vandalised
skilled and experienced human that the person has left the house.
resources. For example, a Real Estate Why not the same day?
Official in the private sector earns with
the conclusion of roughly four times the – The absence of a credible rental
equivalent of what a Chief Clerk earns collection system and an
per annum with us. I therefore believe interface computer system to
that considerable attention and resources track down staff movements and
(financial and technical) must first be rentals due to Government. Some
dedicated towards solving the structural of the other measures on our
problems that inhibits the Ministry of table for implementation, to
Works to effectively execute this remedy the state of affairs are:
mandate.
a) Introduction of a key deposit
I therefore, believe that the physical state of N$500 single as well as a
of Government Fixed Assets are of such double family unit,
proportions that all stakeholders, respectively, to discourage
including the Parliamentary Committee illegal occupancy and
on Public Accounts who’s mandate stringent control measures to
should go beyond to investigate, render improve rent collection.
criticism/recommendations but empower b) To subject all our sitting
Ministries to mobilize additional tenants to sign lease
resources or to offer their expertise agreements, including new
because during their visit there, one applicants to clearly stipulate
could sense they possess skills of Fixed responsibilities between
Asset Management, but then they have tenants and owner.
these hands-off approach. The hands-off c) To subject all existing sitting
approach to our national problem is not tenants to re-apply for the
taking us anywhere. Stakeholders must same official quarters and a
therefore not disassociate themselves failure to comply with this
from the problem but should embrace directive would result in them
and empathise in tangible ways with the forfeiting the privilege to
political office bearers. occupy these premises. This
decisive step would in our
Honourable Chairperson of the view allow us to enrich the
Committee of the whole House, allow current databank beyond any
me to highlight certain constraints and doubt know the number of
weaknesses that compromise effective properties owned by
service delivery within the division of Government.
Fixed Assets Management.
I believe, Honourable Chairperson of the
– Poor communication between Committee of the whole House that
line Ministries to inform my routine and periodic maintenance to
Ministry timeously once a State properties and buildings is a
Government house is vacated. crosscutting issue. Therefore to solve the
154
huge and long overdue maintenance VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Please
backlog necessitate modern approaches proceed.
to funding maintenance activities in this
country. I am convinced that we have MR. NDEMULA: Thank you very
more than the N$360 000 million that much Honourable Vice-Chairperson. I
we need annually to effectively maintain would like to find out who is the
our Government physical infrastructures. custodian of the properties of the
Because as a general practice money set Government?
aside to carry out major maintenance
activities is fragmented into bits and MR. MOGOTSI: Thank you. Works is
pieces to the various line Ministries. the custodian of the whole infrastructure
Imagine now, Honourable members, if of this country. Custodian doesn’t mean
all these appropriations are consolidated the money to renovate these buildings
into one basket, we would have the and maintain them is with us. Here is the
budget required. N$360 million list, we can assist up to N$50 000.00 and
representing 2 per cent calculated base it is with every Ministry. Anything
on the rule of thumb to maintain our above N$50 000.00 is not with us. Bear
assets estimated at N$18 billion. We in mind Honourable members, items are
definitely do not have the shortage of listed as to what we can renovate and
indigenous contractors nationwide to maintain on buildings. They are listed. If
benefit from the economies scale. We it is not on this list, sorry!
have the money but it is in the wrong
hands. The money you see here is to MR. NDEMULA: Just a follow-up
improve and maintain our own Ministry question Honourable Vice-Chairperson.
of Works property, not the whole nation.
Once you come up and you see a VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable
dilapidated building, remember this from Mogotsi will you accept a follow-up
now on, ask yourself the first question, question? Yes, proceed Honourable
to which Ministry does this building Ndemula.
belong? Don’t look at Works, you are
looking at the wrong direction. MR. NDEMULA: Thank you very
much Honourable Vice-Chairperson.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: I am sorry The colleague has answered in an
Honourable Deputy Minister. affirmative way, but now who is to make
Honourable Ndemula. sure that those buildings are in good
condition? Are we not supposed to have
MR. NDEMULA: Honourable Vice- inspectors to go and inspect those
Chairperson, I would like to pose a buildings?
question.
MR. MOGOTSI: We are to inspect, but
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable then as I said earlier on, our role is to
Mogotsi, do you accept a question? just assist with expertise to make
estimates. Once an estimate has been
MR. MOGOTSI: I will accept the done, we hand it to the Ministry and tell
question. them this is what it will cost you to
renovate this building or to expand or
155
any alteration. Then our mandate ends, management level commands a salary of
finish and klaar. [Laugher] N$600 000.00 per annum whilst his
counterpart in the Ministry charged with
I therefore believe that the current the responsibility of supervising, his
practice whereby appropriation to counterpart, remained fixed at N$250
execute major maintenance, renovations 000.00 and below. How do you retain a
and alterations, related activities are left skilled labour in this regard? How do
with the individual institution to decide, you retain, N$600 000, N$200 000,
leave in my opinion resources in the people are going, for your information,
wrong hands. This has resulted largely in colleagues, people are leaving this
the current state of affairs whereby line Ministry in numbers.
Ministries and agencies decide and often
at the discretion not to effect major VICE-CHAIRPERSON: The
maintenance, upgrading or renovations Honourable member wants to pose a
due and thereby compromising the value question Honourable Mogotsi.
of our national assets without anyone
calling these line Ministries to order. MR. MOGOTSI: I can take a question.
The line Ministries, not the Ministry of
Works. MR. HAKAYE: Just a point of
information. Thank you very much
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Order please. Comrade Chairperson. I think the
Honourable Mogotsi, I think it is Honourable member is well prepared
because there are no Ministers in this and to share this information with us, we
august House that you have to now take are also entitled to share information
the brand of all the Ministries but it is with him. The reason why engineers are
unfair. Please proceed. leaving your department is that they are
getting handsome rewards from the
MR. MOGOTSI: My Ministry’s role is Ministry as they stand as private there.
solely to provide the expertise, prepare Like I said, whenever you contract a
market related estimates for example private person from outside, good money
cost of renovations, alterations and to is paid to them. But these are the same
ensure the appointment of competent people that are having companies. So,
consultants and contractors Honourable what is keeping them there if you give
members. them money outside? Thank you.
Another battle we are facing is to attract VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
and retain suitable and technically Honourable Hakaye.
qualified engineers, quantity surveyors,
architects, artisans and technicians. We MR. MOGOTSI: They are not there.
definitely lack far behind the Private and They are not in the Ministry. We don’t
State Owned Enterprises in general. have them. The question is, those little
These institutions regularly call for that are there, what keep them moving in
market surveys to adjust their salary the Ministry? Now you will come up
scales to bring them on per with the with the assumptions of corrupt
market nationally and regionally. For practices. You have to proof Honourable
example, a seasoned engineer at member. There you have to proof.
156
will train somebody lower in rank
MR. HAKAYE: Very much. instead of training somebody equal in
rank. For me, this is my statement. It
MR. MOGOTSI: I share the same value doesn’t make sense.
but if the proof is not there you cannot
tell a colleague to bring him to order. Honourable Chairperson of the
Committee of the whole House, allow
The training and re-current training of me now to come to the individual
technically skilled staff is indeed a programmes. We requested a total of
marathon that never finishes, not N$275 895 000 to be utilized as follows:
mentioning the enormous financial
resources needed to curb the historical PROGRAMME (1) CAPITAL
legacy and backlog. That is why we fail PROJECT COMPLETION:
to attract and retain competently skilled
people and to fill critical vacancies not We requested an amount of N$ 9 355
to mention the recent resignation of 000 under this programme. This
some of our most senior, skilled and programme is to plan, supervise, monitor
seasoned technical staff. and finally hand over completed capital
projects to the line Ministries for
I believe mass training of technical example the supervision and completion
trained Namibians should be our mantra. of the administrative block of the new
That is, we should have an industrial State House will ensure efficient service
training programme where the industry delivery by Cabinet and the Office of the
through proper tax breaks exceptions are President.
encourage to train double the amount of
engineers, transport economists, estate PROGRAMME (2) GOVERNMENT
agents, quantity surveyors etc. to BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE:
effectively address this national concern.
As far as the appointment of expatriate We requested an amount of N$18 592
staff is concern, our policy must be that 000 under this programme. The
every expatriate must be appointment programme is to ensure sustainable and
alongside a Namibian counterpart equal reliable maintenance and rehabilitation
in rank. [Interjection]. I am just a of existing Government properties and
Deputy Comrade member. I am just a related infrastructure to the best possible
Deputy, for your information. But the standards depending on the availability
Development Partner must carry the of funds and priorities set by the
entire salary burden of the said Government. Under this programme,
expatriate staff for example, no things like project investigation
compulsory local contribution by the administering of head office
recipient country. Here to explain, a construction, upgrading of all posts and
donor country (social partners) will [indistinct] nationwide, just to mention a
pledge money N$50 million to work on few.
this staff problem, but then they will also
forward an official to take up the Programme (3) NATIONAL
position. Then the expatriate will benefit MONUMENT MUSEUM
from the same money and this expatriate ESTABLISHMENT:
157
all Government institutions. This
We requested an amount of N$10 000 increase in turnover is indicative of the
under this programme. improved quality service from the
Government Stores as well as…
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Sorry
Honourable Deputy Minister to interrupt VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Sorry
you. It is now tea break. Do you still Honourable Deputy Minister, there is a
have a number of pages? question.
MR. MOGOTSI: I only have one more MR. DIERGAARDT: Honourable
page. Chairperson, can I raise a question in
connection with the auctions?
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Shall we
allow the Honourable member to finish? VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable
Please proceed Honourable. Deputy Minister do you accept a
question?
MR. MOGOTSI: This N$10 000 is
only just to keep the account open MR. MOGOTSI: Yes.
Honourables, as you know the museum
will cost more than N$500 000 or even a VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Yes, please
million for that matter, but then the proceed Honourable Diergaardt.
N$10 000 is just to keep the account
open. MR. DIERGAARDT: Comrade Deputy
Minister, can you tell us, the auction is
This programme is to construct the only done by one South African
Independence Memorial Museum and company called Aucor Namibia. What is
would attract all Namibians and tourists the Ministry doing to get our local
visiting the building to be educated and people also involved? What is the setup
inspired by the schematic arrangement or the system? For example they call an
of historical displays demonstrating both auction and there are 200 cars and you as
the history and the rising of the a black person must come and say okay
Namibian nation. The construction of on this specific day I will make 500 000.
this very important project is being Then you must go to the bank and get a
delayed for more than three years bank guarantee for 500 000 and give it to
because of inadequate resource the Ministry. Now these people, the
allocation. South African got the money. They just
go and give the collateral, but our
PROGRAMME (4) PROVISION OF people, the black economy always stay
SERVICES TO THE GOVERNMENT: behind. What is the Ministry doing?
We requested an amount of N$15 821
000 under this programme. The VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
programme is to facilitate the provision Honourable Diergaardt. Honourable
of standard stock supplies to Ministries Mogotsi please proceed.
and provide printing services as well as
administering auctioneering services to
158
MR. MOGOTSI: Yes, rules and tender MR. NDEMULA: Thank you very
regulations of this country are much Honourable Vice-Chairperson, I
determined by the Tender Board. Those would just want to follow-up the
rules, once you come there with the questions of my colleague over there.
saying you are black and they are white The issue of knowing that for the past 16
and they are South Africans, the rules years, it has always been the same
are clear. Once you stick to the company and a South African company
regulations you become a tenderer and by the way, do you think it is fair?
nobody is excluded in becoming a
tenderer in this case. Nobody is VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
excluded. Once you comply with the Honourable Ndemula. Honourable
rules you become a tenderer. So, you Mogotsi please proceed.
cannot come to us and tell us you are
black and you have been doing what and MR. MOGOTSI: Is that company
now you should be exempted from all registered here at Trade and Industry?
those requirements not to pay or to bring Does it have a Namibian registration
a guarantee. That is unfair. It amounts to number? For you to claim that it is South
corruption. We are sorry that you are left African, colleagues, whether Aucor is
behind but then tender regulations are operating also in South Africa that is not
not set by the Ministry. They are set by our problem, but it is registered here and
the Tender Board. Complain to the it has a tax number for your information.
Tender Board and tell them that you Aucor and all the other companies come
want these exemptions because you are up with a valued thing to our Ministry
formally disadvantaged and whatever. colleagues and even to the Tender
Not to the Ministry. Please colleagues. Board, but these allegations to say some
To change anything these is tantamount are South African, some have been
to corruption just because you are black formally benefiting, colleagues, you are
and you cannot produce a guarantee to putting us in a very difficult position.
the bank. Can I conclude now Honourable
members?
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable
Ndemula, is it a question you want to VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Yes, please.
raise?
MR. MOGOTSI: This increase in
MR. NDEMULA: Yes, please turnover is indicative of the improved
Honourable Chairperson. quality of service from the Government
Stores as well as an increase awareness
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Would you of such services among various
accept a question Honourable Mogotsi? Ministries, offices and agencies. I thank
you.
MR. MOGOTSI: Yes.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Please very much Honourable Mogotsi. I think
proceed Honourable Ndemula. that the members in this august House
clearly make use of the opportunity
because there is a lack of interaction
159
between Ministries. Unfortunately, you TransNamib, Air Namibia,
have to be on the receiving side. Having Telecommunication, Namibia Postal
said that, this august House stands Services and many more related
adjourned for tea. communications. I am however aware of
the fact that within this baskets some
COUNCIL RESUMES agencies are not performing to the
expectation of the nation. But Comrade
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Chairperson, permit me to kick off on
members, I hope you enjoyed your tea the positive note. Tsumeb/Oshikango
break. Any further discussion on this railway lines – progress, no question
Vote. Any objection? The Vote is agreed about that. Hence, of to the Founding
to. Honourable members, I shall now put President or to be specific, to the
Vote 24, Transport and Communication Founding Father of the Namibian Nation
– N$643 398 000. Any discussion? Dr. Sam Safiishuna Nujoma who
Honourable Hakaye. continues to inspire Namibians from all
works of lives to volunteer themselves
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much for the project of national pride. A
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable number of regional and rural roads have
members of this august House. It is a taken off in different regions in our
pity the Deputy Minister is not here to country. My region Omusati has
hear some good words. But in fact we benefited from this as you might have
should not allow ourselves to be seen in that very big book.
manipulated by our techniques.
Honourable members, the Tsandi/Utapi
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable highway has not gone unnoticed and
members, Transport and Communication Tsandi/Okahao, Tsandi/Omakage
deserves an applaud of the Namibian joining Kunene region to the rest of the
nation as a whole and no one in this main land something that was never
august House or the public out there will possible during the colonial and DTA
have the courage to argue about the dispensation. I would however be more
exorbitant prices on offer for tarring our happier than I am today should the
nation, regional and local roads by the Ministry include in its immediate plan of
greed monopolies who have all the action or mid-term planning at almost 30
means and ways and all the materials or to be specific, a 25Km portion of road
and technologies. between Okalongo and Otjikuku to be
tarred. This is the busiest road
However, Comrade Chairperson, I Honourable members and has now
believe everyone in every region can turned into a life threatening kind of a
claim ownership of the transport and road. In every month almost a fatal
communication projects. As you are all accident is recorded on this very same
aware Honourable Chairperson, road I have just referred to. Let alone
Honourable members, when we talk that road that leads Okalongo and Etayi
about transport and communication we constituencies to the regional seat. These
are talking of a number of different are those ones that I do not see in the
entities and departments. Among others, planning of the Ministry. This has been
we are talking of road constructions, an outstanding kind of project Comrade
160
Chairperson and I was wondering on as Namibia for instance is carrying the flag
to why such projects did not feature in of Namibia outside the country
anyway in spite of the fact that I was throughout the world, but when it comes
made to understand that this was going to its record home, it is not that much
to be a priority among other priorities in pleasant making. It is not good news for
the Omusati regional projects on the part tax payers. Therefore, the time has come
of the Ministry. and that we have now land on the point
of no return. When it comes to the point
TELECOMMUNICATION of holding managers of the said
departments, they are responsible for the
I was one among the weaknesses on the poor performances of the companies
inauguration of Telcom, MTC and they are heading. There is no third way
Namibia Postal Services premises in on it. Therefore, all we need is good
Oshankati. I think it is worth it in all performances and the reputation of the
probabilities. The facility is a modern Ministry can come as a whole like did in
one and sophisticated where the value of some areas. I am well informed that even
the money that was reported spent in at our railway stations here there is a
that, but these three parastatals need to little bit of chaos. Trips can be cancelled
invest much of its resources in human and people are not informed or apology
resources development where they did being registered. This is giving a bad
not cover the big projects so as to match reputation and we are now advocating
new technology especially in the areas of that we make use of these facilities like
telephone and mobile Onguluwombashe. As we are closing
telecommunication. These small maybe, we go to the train and we come
machines called cellular phones do have to Ondangwa. Onguluwombashe is
quite a number of features but we cannot there. But nothing has changed there,
access them here in Namibia because of Honourable members, you will be
technology know-how, but I believe we delayed or sometimes be disappointed
are being charged for some of the because of the service that is rendered
services we are not making use of. Why there.
I am saying that is because the charges
are too high, very high indeed. One Despite of this, the nation is holding this
praising the Ministry of Works, Ministry high. Equally the auction
Transport and Communication, there are process that the Ministry embarks upon
certain departments as a eluded earlier throughout the country is a move in a
on that are failing or down grading and right direction that this Government
actually cause the Ministry good property removed and be considered.
reputation among others; TransNamib The only problem that I want to echo is
Holdings; Air Namibia; Department of the one my comrade Diergaardt have just
Works among others, though it was said. The fact that this company whose
defended here by the Deputy. big head is in South Africa registered
with whatever tax does not qualify it to
These, Comrade Chairperson, a need of play a living role and then to degrade the
good examination is needed to be done Namibian competitors. We are singing at
on this so much so that they carry the the Government level about black
pride of the Namibian nation. Air empowerment but we are small and
161
precautions and therefore the ground lot has been said by my Chief Whip over
should be levelled that is convenient for there. I rise in support of Vote 24
each and every one of us. In fact it is the Comrade Chairperson. This Ministry is
Namibian tax payers’ money but now very important in a sense that it is
the big giants are swallowing the whole charged with the responsibility of
thing where the small business people establishing links through construction
are suppose to be benefiting. I am not of road such as labour base method
blaming the Ministry of Transport and which is providing job opportunities to
Works on that, but the revenues or the community members. Therefore,
whoever registered this should take into Honourable members, proposal of gravel
account the plight of the Namibian roads had been submitted by the
people. This is our property. Our money Oshikoto Regional Council through
goes in those cars and other things but Oshikoto regional road board for
we don’t have access to them. These construction, but up to this point in time
people are swallowing it and they are no feedback, no answer from the
going to sell it at very big prices again Ministry or from the Road Authority
we cannot afford. The Government in Company. To this end the Ministry
return will loose again even if it is going should also take note that some people in
to buy those things back they won’t Omuntele and Orukonda constituency
afford them. The process or the have not been travelling for two months
mechanism put in place stand to be re- during rainy seasons. Therefore,
examined so that at least it will be in Onyaanya, Omuntele, Onangi gravel
favour of the Namibian people roads should be implemented without
themselves other than favouring the big delay. Onengondjoro, Esheshete,
giants. Those ones have got access to do Epumbu proposed gravel roads should
the purchasing elsewhere. These also be seriously taken into
auctions should take in black consideration and be implemented.
empowerment for disadvantaged not Onayena, Okankolo road should also be
even former disadvantaged. We have upgraded to a full pitman standard. At
disadvantaged people in Namibia still. the same time Onethindi, Olukonda,
People are still disadvantaged. We Onezizi gravel roads which had been
cannot make ourselves to believe that we totally destroyed by rain during this year
are now all at the pair with those that should also be upgraded to a full pitman
were advantaged. This is not true standard. With these few concerns, I
Comrade Chairperson. support Vote 24 and I thank you.
With these few words, I support the Vote VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
and I thank you for the attention. Honourable Ndjambula. Honourable
!Gobs you may now take the floor.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Honourable Hakaye. Honourable MR. !GOBS: Honourable Chairperson,
Ndjambula you may take the floor. Honourable members of this august
House. Allow me to give credit where it
MR. NDJAMBULA: Thank you is due by thanking the Ministry of
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Works, Transport and Communication
members, I will be very brief because a for the development taking place in the
162
Kunene region as constructions of the look into this so that a certain portion
roads are taking place like the Opuwo, can remain with the local authorities.
Omakange road which had been
completed and the constructors are busy With these few words, I support Vote 24
this year with Kamanjab, Omakange and I thank you.
road. It must however be mentioned that
the constructers are constantly VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
appointing foreigners while the Honourable !Gobs. Honourable
Namibian people are waiting for any Appollus you may now take the floor.
opportunity at the Verda Gate. I
understand they may appoint skilled MR. APPOLLUS: I stand to support
labour if Namibia does not have any, but Vote 24 but first of all kindly allow me
appointing general workers from foreign to make a humble request to the Deputy
countries is questionable. There is a Minister to take the Honourable
great outcry of unemployment. Thus, I members on an official trip sometime in
will suggest that the Ministry of Labour the future to the most important
and Ministry of Works which are buildings in Namibia. The most
allocating tenders to look into this matter important buildings are only one thing.
very urgently. So, please be so kind. The next session
when we come back please take us on a
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable trip. I think the allocation of N$643 398
members, again, my thanks goes to the 000 is inadequate. If we look at the poor
Ministry as it is creating conducive conditions of so many roads all over
environment that Namibian people can Namibia, the roads are the arteries of any
communicate by means of telephones, developing country and as such must
cell phones, radios, emails, faxes etc. but always be in top condition.
let the communication not be limited to
those areas which are fortunate. Let it Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
also expand to the rural remote areas that members, after the heavy rain Namibia
they can also communicate with the rest. has received and hopefully will still get,
gravel roads all over Namibia are really
Lastly, Honourable members, the not up to standard and became a life
introduction of the Namibian Transport hazard. Travelling on some roads is
Information System which we call tantamount to signing your own death
NATIS is a concern for me. The certificate. The companies responsible
registration of vehicles is done in a for the maintenance of the roads in my
certain given locality, but all the monies part of the country, but take note of what
are transferred or deposited into the I am saying and take steps to restrict or
account of RFA (Road Fund rectify the problem; I wish to complain
Administration). But these vehicles about the way they perform their duties.
which have been registered in these I suppose that they are to keep the
localities are running on those roads of condition of the main roads in top
that given local authority or village. condition. This is mostly not the case
These funds which are going to the RFA and as a result of poor maintenance
are not catering to re-gravel the roads. services many of our people die
So, my humble request is for them to unnecessarily. You may also say that
163
other factors like the misuse of alcohol
form part of such disasters, but I firstly Finally, I humbly ask that attention be
believe that the poor condition of the given to these problems as they are
roads is the main factor. The condition really not contributing to proper linkage
of the roads in rural areas are especially with many rural areas. I thank you
directly responsible for poor or many Honourable Chairperson.
fatal accidents.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Honourable Appollus. Now I
members, the gravel road between acknowledge Honourable Sibiya.
Keetmanshoop and Aroab; also the one
linking Keetmanshoop and Koes had MS SIBIYA: Thank you Honourable
been washed away or damaged. The Chairperson, Honourable members of
rains fell two months ago and I have this august House for acknowledging me
been informed that it started raining on to contribute to the Vote under
Friday last. Nothing had been done discussion. I want to talk about the
about the poor condition of that road. situation of the roads in Namibia in
The potholes, stand banks, dips etc are general. Namibian roads have the best
not taken care of. In the rainy season, infrastructure one would walk on or to
travellers from Keetmanshoop and even drive on compared to other African
from South Africa, the tourists in that countries. The roads are safe with clear
case find it very hard to make use of that road signs although some of the people
road. That road is frequented by tourists do not want to adhere to the road signs
coming into Namibia. The road to the in place which in most cases cause fatal
South African border town of accidents. I want to congratulate the
Rietfontein is tarred and if a traveller Ministry of Transport and
passes into Namibia the condition of Communication and also the City of
roads become bad to worse. Windhoek when it comes to the Khomas
for the good provision of services to
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable ensure that the safety of the nation is
members, the travellers used to travel at considered and taken care of. In some
high speed and a possibility of fatal areas, this is now the poor urban in
accidents cannot be ignored. Flooded Khomas region because as people are
rivers are also a main concern and a saying I am talking because I am staying
problem. Road users are forced to wait in Khomas. There is also poor urban
for hours until the water subside. I would when we look at the constituencies like
humbly request that attention to these Tobias Hianyeko and Moses Garueb.
problems must be given. As I have Roads need to be constructed as needed.
already said roads are the arteries of An action to improve the situation of
transport. But if these arteries are roads in those areas is needed. The
blocked a stroke might be expected. So gravel roads cause a lot of problems to
we cannot travel from Keetmanshoop to the users whether they are pedestrians or
Aroab, because when I get back drivers of vehicles. The dusty roads
hopefully on Friday, I must fly and the cause health hazards and make travelling
Honourable member will give me a or driving very impossible especially
chopper. when the dust is coming out and also
164
cars are damaged more than ever when MR. MOGOTSI: Honourable
you are making use of the roads Chairperson of the whole House
everyday. Committee. I have had an unfortunate
situation this morning when I wanted to
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable retrieve the document, everything went
members, the intersections on tarred wrong. But then I thought a miracle
roads at Etewe and Omuvapu in Moses would happen while my colleagues are
Garueb and also in the other areas such contributing. To attend to the questions
as Tobias Hainyeko, during morning and of my Honourable members will look as
afternoon hours there is always a high if I am contributing, therefore I will
traffic jam and accidents mostly occurs contribute on Wednesday when it is
in those roads. Road accidents are not open. Bear with me; I was waiting for a
visible on those tarred roads especially at miracle.
pedestrian crossing points. Speed reduce
signs on the roads should be constructed VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
and the tarred roads and not only in the Honourable Deputy Minister. Any
vicinity of schools. We call it a speed further discussion? No further
hump. Attention also needs to be given discussion. The Vote is agreed to. I shall
to these poor urban areas as I already now put the last vote for today. Vote 25,
said Ombili, Greenwell and Okahandja Lands and Resettlement – N$124 701
Park just to mention but a few in the two 000. Any discussion? Honourable
constituencies for better development Hakaye.
because these are the areas where
previously disadvantaged people are MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
living. So, if we move to those areas we Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
will see wonders because some of the members. Land Resettlement again. It
people only know Khomas region on this should not be news to anyone of us but I
side where it is already developed. That would like to address and compare it,
is the Municipality. When it comes to Works and Lands has N$124 000.
the Ministry of Works and Transport we Which means again if you look deep into
have to do something. The Ministry of this issue, how serious or not serious
Transport and Communication in with the need of the land in Namibia?
consultation with the City of Windhoek But Comrade Chairperson, this remain
should see to it that the necessary needs the bone of contention until and unless
are addressed. the landless Namibians who are in dare
need of land were resettled properly.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, with these few remarks I Comrade Chairperson, I was very much
support the Vote and I thank you. shocked when the able Minister of Land
and Resettlement tabled a report citing
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you very long list of those who own lands in
Honourable Sibiya. I will now recognise the Republic of Namibia 16 years after
Honourable Deputy Minister of Works, independence. The fact that the majority
Transport and Communication. of them are still landlord absentees
taking those who are equally absent and
has manipulated the system to have the
165
land registered in people that are here development purposes. People are not
but yet is equally absentees’ landlords or just going to be resettled there and sit
landowners. idle. We expect them to resettled and till
the land. For them to till the land they
For how long do we still need to cry for need implements. They need equipment;
the land that had been fought for by our they need training and a market. They
ancestors, our forefathers and mothers, need all that and for them to have all
sons and daughters, by ourselves as we that, they need the money.
are leading and heading to where our
forefathers are? We are left with a very Therefore Comrade Chairperson and
big challenge hanging above our heads Honourable members, in all these I have
on as to what will happen to our own in mind that the Ministry and the
children. Should they again pick up arms Government of the Republic of Namibia
and fight for the land from whom they should now think of organising a proper
should identify the target or should the and well coordinated conference on land
Government or the people of Namibia reform and we bring in each and every
seriously look into this issue? I have stakeholder including those who claim to
only heard of a conference of land own land in Namibia but are elsewhere.
reform or something in early 1990s that
was also manipulated that not everything In Namibia today I am told and I think I
was in place and no follow-up was done have my source, that this game ranges
in that issue. Those who believe the land we have in Namibia, some are run by
conference or land reform conference people in Belgium, Australia, UK, and
have a landmark on the land question, for those foreigners, these people we are
they are at the loss. The land issue is saying tourism, they bring in money,
becoming momentum. For instance even they are not. They are paying money to
people down in my home constituency, I those people in those countries. All the
am sharing the border with Angola and money is paid directly there and is
even with the coming in of the nowhere transacting in Namibia. This
settlements that are going to be must not be hidden. So, when they come
developed many peasant people are here they only come with petty cash to
going to be affected with the coming buy their tokens that I was in Namibia.
into beings. These are the people who They take photographs of our Vahimbas,
believe and who have their hope in that is all and we say tourism is
subsistence agriculture. They don’t have flourishing. We should not; we should
anything to live on and they will need open our eyes wide to look into some of
land. We are going to knock on the these things. This is not flourishing to
Minister’s door. No wonder this money me if the big money is spent there. Then
is too little because the land is just not you should at least if small money is
made available for resettlement spent here the owner is there. Where are
purposes. It is just not made available no we heading to?
matter what mechanism you are going to
put in place. If it is available then Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
implements are not provided or are not members, jokes aside, the question of
part of the resettlement. We are talking land is a burning issue. We are talking of
of settlements attached with retired former fighters and those who are
166
in the defence and police force and all through the Peoples Liberation Army
that, there is no thought of how to settle Namibia (PLAN) on the 26th of August
them. I think I will set more light on that was land.”
tomorrow. But let’s take the land
question seriously and revolution should That is what we will always say. It is at
be the name of the game. We need land this point in time why I am also
for other purpose than to till that land, to welcoming in support also the new land
develop it and to make a living of our reform action plan approved by the
people, our own sons and daughters so Cabinet recently. At the same time I am
that at least Namibia as a country will also appealing to our Swapo
claim ownership. For now three or two- Government that this nice document
third of arable land is in wrong hands with its nice contents should not become
and continue to be so until or unless a a white elephant that is giving nice
revolution was tasted by the Namibian hopes and dreams to the landless
people themselves. If they are not going Namibians, but it should be a document
along this line I think the writing is on that is going to be implemented in the
the wall, the Zimbabwean style will be real sense of the word. It should give to
soon come here. Thank you very much. the landless Namibians those hopes that
becomes a reality and not hopes that
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you becomes just real dreams for ever and
Honourable Hakaye. Honourable Deputy ever when we are going every day to bed
Minister Nguvauva. as long as they are alive.
MR. NGUVAUVA: Thank you very Honourable Chairperson, members of
much Comrade Chairperson, Comrade this august House, the current willing
Mensah- Williams for allowing me to seller, willing buyer that we are having
speak immediately after my Swapo is a nice document again but it is too
Chief Whip because today really slow and bring us nowhere. We need a
concerning this Vote, I want to speak in radical change in the process of land
Swapo language that is why I am having redistribution to the landless Namibians.
this attire this morning. This will become a reality if it is
supplemented by a radical expropriation
Comrade Chairperson, I welcome and of farms within parameters of the law as
support Vote 25 because it coincides it is always said by Comrade
also with the new Land Reform Action Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Plan that was approved by Cabinet
recently on the 11th of April 2006. I Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
recall that most members in this august members, allow me to remind this
House including the Hafeni Ndemulas, august House to three important issues:
when we where participating on the Vote
of the Ministry of Lands Resettlement 1. The slowness of land reform
and Rehabilitation started with their process in Namibia was
statements always with this phrase and I echoed by the Founding
quote: “One of the main cause for the Father of the Nation who is
independent struggle of Namibia that also the President of the
was launched by the Swapo Party ruling party Dr. Sam Nujoma
167
on 19 April 2006 when we what the Minister concern said last
marked the 46th anniversary month. Now if the Father of the Nation
of the birth of Namibia’s who is the Swapo ruling President said
ruling party Swapo where he what I revealed to you and if Comrade
said: “It is impossible to Hifikepunye Pohamba the President of
acquire land quickly through the Republic of Namibia also said that
the policy of willing seller, land distribution is one of the core
willing buyer.” Please keep policies of our Swapo Party
in mind that was said by Dr. Government, and if Comrade Ekandjo
Sam Nujoma the President of the concern Minister said last month in
Swapo the ruling party of the National Assembly that the willing
Namibia. seller, willing buyer policy is a non-
starter.
2. President Pohamba said in an
occasion that land Comrades of this august House, what is
distribution is one of the core left now are your voices. I want to hear
policies of the Swapo Party from you now, all of you. You must say
Government and the something as members of the House of
Government will continue to Review to support and supplement what
implement our land reform is said already by the three leaders. In
policy in line with the Afrikaans as they always say: “Mense,
relevant laws and provisions maak julle stemme dik” (make your
contained in the 2004 Swapo voices loud). That means you must talk
Party Election Manifesto, and loudly that people can hear what you are
that was said by his saying on behalf of them, those who
Excellency the President of elected you on the issue of the slowness
the Republic of Namibia. of land distribution that needs
expropriation. That is what I am
3. The Minister of Land and requesting. If you are not prepared this
Resettlement Comrade morning then on Wednesday during our
Ekandjo revealed to the third reading you are having a chance. I
National Assembly last want to hear what you are saying. I am
month when he was encouraging you to say something on
motivating Vote 25 that the land distribution. The bulk of the best
willing buyer, willing seller Agricultural Land is in the hands of few
concept had been a non- groups of people and it is at this juncture
starter. Farmers are not forth where expropriation in the parameters of
coming and as a result the the Namibian laws should take place.
Swapo Government is not Let me give you an example. From
able to implement its land Windhoek through Okahandja then you
appreciation programme at are having Otjivarongo, Otavi,
the desired time. Grootfontein to Oshivelo. The whole
kilometres from here up to Oshivelo,
You heard what I said about what remind yourselves of how many
Comrade Sam Nujoma said, what His kilometres and all that land belong to the
Excellency Comrade Nujoma said and few. Then you are having immediately
168
after Oshivelo a group of people clear criteria of which farms should be
consigned together in the area we called expropriated and for how long
in the passed “Ovamboland”. So, they expropriation is going to take place.
are put there. The whole area from here Now let me tell them, I only have two
up to Oshivelo is having that land. answers for them and the rest can be
answered by the Minister concerned,
Then from Windhoek through places Comrade Ekandjo, and the first answer
like Mururani Gate up to Kavango and on the issue of criteria of which farms.
then Caprivi; from Windhoek the whole Those farm owners who are mistreating
area is once again those few groups. their farm workers by assaulting them
Then from Windhoek up to beyond dismissing them unfairly, dumping them
Gobabis before you will have the alongside the roads, poisoning them etc.
communal areas of Otjinene, Epukiro, Those farms should be expropriated for
Otjombinde, Aminuis through the Namibians to resettle there peacefully, it
Odendaal Plan. It is still the same should be clear.
people. Then from here down to the far
South, commercial farms belonging to The issue of how long the expropriation
the few for all those kilometres. Then process is going to take place: For as
from Windhoek to the Western part of long as the majority of the best farming
Namibia where Honourable Ndemula is land is in the hands of the few and until
saying and he is sitting and sleeping, you no one is having more than one farm
leave alone the other parts in the heart of while the majority of the Namibians are
the country and it is here where we crying for land then expropriation will
should be convinced that expropriation just continue to take place. It is at this
should take place and it should be fast point in time where I am proposing also
because people need land before they to the Ministry of Land Resettlement and
die. Rehabilitation that the following farms
should be put on the list for
I am appealing to Comrade Ekandjo not expropriation:
to be threatened by the legal battles by
those who are having land and money. 1. Farm Finale of Mr. Gert
What they are planning with court cases Koekemoer in the
against the Swapo Government is just Steinhaussen Constituency;
what they are saying the last kick of a 2. Farm Arcadia North of Mr.
dying horse and we should just proceed Heimstadt.
with expropriation on land because we
are ruling Namibia and not those people. Those two must be put on the list for
The Minister should be assured of our expropriation. I will elaborate more on
support in the National Council and in the reasons and recommendations
regions and we are not behind him, we officially in my communication to the
are with him. We will support you. Ministry of Lands; you can go and get
them there.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
member so this august House. It is my What I am saying Comrade Chairperson
experience that those who are having is, are no treats of expropriation of
land are complaining that there are no farmlands belong to certain white
169
Namibians in Omaheke region as was - Border for constituencies which
reported by Phil Ya Nangolo in his press is not clear and is delaying
release on 23 February 2006 on behalf of development, layout map for
those certain white Namibians. They are farms surveyed last year in
real recommendations from me as the Kavango region, we want to
Regional Councillor of Steinhaussen, so allocate farms to people who
please Phil Ya Nangolo, don’t mislead need them.
your certain white community; they will - Small scale development is
be left in the dark. moving too slow especially the
demarcation of land survey.
With these remarks Comrade - The resettlement activities do not
Chairperson, I support the Vote and even exist in the region;
thank you very much. - Workshops and training for the
San community projects are not
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you forthcoming especially in Bravo
Honourable Nguvauva. I think we will and Omega.
request for you to be in another Ministry
that is on the lighter side. I will now The resettlement activities do not even
recognise Honourable Siwombe. exist in the region. The problem of this
Ministry might be attributed by the poor
MS SIWOMBE: Honourable management cadres if not lack of staff
Chairperson, Honourable members of and transport for the existing staff
this august House. I just want to agree members or the Ministry has to take not
with the statement that was made by of its management. We want to see the
Honourable Chief Whip and Honourable Ministry spearheading the land issue and
Deputy Minister. I am standing here resettlement programmes while other
today to support other speakers who line Ministries follow suite. When it
spoke before me on this Vote on the comes to sport facilities, transport,
allocation of N$124 701 000 to the furniture, computers, office spaces, it
Ministry of Lands and Resettlement in does not reflect the important task which
hoping it will cater for the resettlement we await from this very important
programme. Apart from hearing Ministry. It is now high time for the
communal Boards, the result is not Minister and his Permanent Secretary to
forthcoming because in Kavango region, look into these problems especially in
the border between Shambyu and Munza Kavango region and create a conducive
Traditoinal Authorities is not yet environment for staff members and the
resolved. This process was supposed to public at large. I thank you.
be finished last year. I am requesting the
surveyors to present the report to the VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Ministry on time in order to give Honourable Siwombe. Honourable
feedback to the region, especially to the !Gobs you may take the floor.
traditional authority leaders and as a
matter of urgency. MR. !GOBS: Honourable Chairperson,
Honourable members, thank you for the
Other points I want to register with the opportunity to deliberate on this Vote.
Ministry are as follows: The Government is doing well by
170
purchasing farms which are allocated to
the Namibians in need of land because In support of Vote 25 for the allocation
by having piece of land, you have got a of N$124 701 000 to the Ministry of
fortune of your life time. However, the Land, Resettlement and Rehabilitation,
price offered by some foreigners the so in the first place I would like to pinpoint
called owners are too high and the some issues that I feel need to be
process of resettling the Namibian considered if we are to implement
people is on a slow pace. Nevertheless, communal land reform act to its fullest.
many people have been resettled up to
now and this process has got good and Slow process of land rights registration
bad results e.g. some resettlement farms, due to the shortage of vehicles, staff and
people resettled do not have skills to resources. Staffs have to fully be
maintain the farms. They do not have equipped with vehicles if they are to
technical know-how of managing the carry out initial verification of
farms like farm Hoes Fallen in Hardap application to allocate the customary
region which the committee I am land rights. Land Board Secretariat
chairing visited during the month of should be staffed to ensure effective and
March 2006 of which the report will efficiency in the regions. Due to the
follow soon. This farm in the past was vastness of the regions and scattered
producing vegetables and fruits, but operational areas, staff need to be
currently the trees are dry and the equipped with communication devices,
infrastructure is in bad shape. No proper computers and camping equipment and
management. Thus, the Ministry must facilities because the more the
constantly support the resettled people operational vastness the more the
until they are able to stand on their own distance that could not be covered in a
feet. day. Traditional authorities should also
be provided with transport if they are to
Honourable Chairperson, let the carry out initial verifications to allocate
Ministry work out mechanism of how to the customer land rights. If we are to
speed up the process of obtaining more implement that actively and to its fullest
farms from the foreign so called capacity resources have to be allocated
landlords so that all previously and village headmen should be
disadvantaged Namibians, no matter remunerated for the specific tasks
political affiliation, obtain piece of land. otherwise they will keep on asking for
I support this Vote and I thank you. N$600.00 as payment for allocation
which is not provided for by Section 42
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Any further of the Communal Land Reform Act. I
discussion? Yes, Honourable Katoma. thank you.
MR. KATOMA: Thank you very much VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
Honourable Chairperson of the Honourable Katoma. Any further
Committee of the whole House. Firstly I discussion? Any objection? The Vote is
want to agree with Honourable agreed to. Honourable members, that
Nguvauva on the sentiments, but I would was the last Vote for today. The last five
like to give attention on the communal Votes that are left for tomorrow are:
land first. Vote 26 – National Planning
171
Commission; Vote 27 – Youth, National
Service, Sports and Culture; Vote 28
Electoral Commission; Vote 29 –
Information and Broadcasting; Vote 30 –
Anti-Corruption Commission. Having
said that Honourable members, I shall
report progress and seek leave to sit
again. Honourable Chairman, I wish to
report progress and seek leave to sit
again.
CHAIRMAN: Leave is granted
Honourable; you may take your seat.
Honourable members, that was the order
of the day. Any other business?
Honourable Hakaye, you may take the
floor and adjourn the House.
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
Comrade Chairman. In the absence of
further discussion, I move that this
august House stands adjourned until
tomorrow 23 May 2006 at 09:30. I so
move.
CHAIRMAN: Any objection? Agreed
to. The House stands adjourned until
tomorrow at 09:30.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED
172
COUNCIL CHAMBER
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Good
WINDHOEK morning Honourable members, the
Committee of the whole Council is
23 MAY 2006 called to order. I shall now put Vote 26,
National Planning Commission - N$52
The Council met pursuant to 677 000. Any discussion? Any
adjournment. objection? It is agreed to. I shall now
Chairman took the Chair. put Vote 27, Youth National Service
Prayers and Affirmation. Sport and Culture - N$187 739 000. Any
discussion? Honourable Shangheta you
CHAIRMAN: The House is called to will be followed by Honourable
Order. Honourable members good Ndjambula and then Honouarble
morning. Any petitions? Any reports Mwilima.
of Select Committees? Any reports and
papers? Any notices of motions? MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
Honourable Hakaye, you may take the much Comrade Chairperson for the
floor? opportunity given to me to contribute to
this very important Vote which is the
MR. HAKAYE: Thank you Comrade Ministry of Youth, National Service,
Chair. I hereby move a motion without Sport and Culture.
notice that the proceedings of Vote 26,
27, 28, 29, 30 of the Appropriation Bill, Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
[B.2 – 2006] be in accordance with Rule members of this august House, the youth
15(3) of the Standing Rules and Orders are the backbone and the dream of the
of the National Council, not be Namibian society and are supposed to be
interrupted if still under consideration at creative and innovative in coming up
13:00. So I move. with activities, if not variable projects
that will benefit the Namibian society at
CHAIRMAN: Who seconds? Any large. During our time as youth we were
objection? Agreed to. Honourable innovative and creative enough, being at
member you may table your motion. the forefront of the liberation struggle
Any further notices of motions? The that brought freedom and independence
Secretary will read the order of the day. that everybody is enjoying today in the
land of the brave (Namibia).
FIRST ORDER READ:
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
SECRETARY: Debate on Committee members our youth needs to be given all
Stage-Appropriation Bill [B.2 – 2006]. support to an able them to effectively
engage in economic struggle for
CHAIRMAN: It is moved that I leave emancipation. They also need to be
the Chair, who second? Any objection? given time and chances for them to
Agreed to. The Vice-Chairperson of the explore opportunities presented by our
Council and the Chairperson of the only motherland and see how they can
Committee of the whole Council will turn the abundant national resources in
now take the Chair. Honourable Namibia into finished products for usage
Mensah-Williams.
173
and consumption in Namibia and for importance. There are various examples
export. We all know that we export too that Namibia can live from; other
many raw materials and import too many countries in the world today are utilizing
products that could be produced in their national youth services to
Namibia. immensely contribute to the national
development of their perspective
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable countries in terms of youth development,
members the National Youth Service industrialization, socio–economic and
(NYS) Training Centre at Berg-Aukas cultural enhancement, etc.
needs to be well established and
expanded in order to be effective to Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
produce good results at the end of the members, our youth should always be at
day. The youth should be well the forefront on projects such as railway
motivated and educated that is why the line construction from Tsumeb to
training centre was created and Oshikango, they should be visible in the
established in order to avoid chaos in programmes, emergency management
that particular area to take place. The programmes as the case is in other
National Youth Service is a noble countries in the world. The youth should
institution which should be geared at be involved in the activities such as the
providing opportunities for the youth aqua-culture projects, in order for them
skills and career guidance, while the to provide more products for the country
youth would contribute to the nation and its people. We are blessed with
through voluntary works. When we talk underground water especially at
of the national youth service, we expect Ongopolo mine at Kombat in Otavi
that the youth would be given constituency. This underground water is
programmers to serve the nation on a always time and again wasted and you
voluntary basis as the term suggest and are hearing that the mine is under
self-explanatory but I wonder as to flooded. Therefore the underground
whether this is what is happening at this water must be used for irrigation
point in time. purposes and also in aqua-culture
projects.
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, let me use this opportunity to Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
appeal to the newly appointed NYS members, having said the
Board to be diligent in formulating and abovementioned, I want to say the
giving policy directives and programmes following:
to this centre in particular and the youth
country wide in general in order to avoid 1. I want to see Berg –Aukas
what had happened with DBC. The Training Centre expanded in
youth should be given voluntary order to accommodate the youth
programmes to carry out. These as much as possible.
programmes should be visible to 2. The youth Programmes should be
everybody in Namibia and even abroad introduced as a matter of
that Namibian youth is really serving the urgency.
nation in various programmes, activities 3. The youth should be given
and projects, projects of national training or necessary skills.
174
4. National development projects National Youth Service, more so as it is
should be carried out such as now an agency set-up through an Act of
aqua-culture as I mentioned Parliament. Surely our Founding
earlier, Green Scheme Project, President, Comrade Sam Nujoma
construction of railways and the deserves to be up hold for this issue.
construction of the national roads
both urban and remote rural areas Having said the above, my observation
in particular. is that the budget allocation to this
institution is not adequate to meet the
With this few remarks, I thank you and I Government objectives as set in our
support the Vote. NDP-2 and our Vision 2030. The
targeted number of youth to be recruited
VICE-CHAIRPERON: Thank you on annual basis at this point in time has
Comrade. I will now recognize been set to be 800 youth per year
Honourable Ndjambula. translated into having at least
approximately 2400 at any given time.
MR. NDJAMBULA: Thank you If one compares the budget and the
Comrade Chairperson, I rise in support number given above you will find that
of Vote 27. This Ministry of Youth they would require more than what has
having the term “youth” emphasized, as been allocated to this Vote.
its main aim is to have programs and
activities geared toward youth I would also like to commend our
development. It is therefore an issue of President, His Excellency Comrade
concern to note that the program aimed Hifikepunye Pohamba for his resolve to
for youth development are not visible. It see our youth plights being dealt with
ought to be a point that the youth seriously by our Government, in
development programs and activities in particular for appointing the board
the country are visible in all regions. members to take charge of the National
Youth Service as well as National youth
Maybe, the impediment in this regard is Act. It is therefore benefiting to urge the
a lack of capable human resources. If responsible to see to it that the National
one notes the adverts that goes out Youth Service responsibilities are fully
looking for Regional Youth Officers for and expectedly transferred to the board.
instance, you will be shocked at the The longer it takes, the more the line of
salary level, as well as job grading level openness between the board and the
of such positions. It is just too low in ministry becomes broader, and one
comparison to the job requirements. The would expect unnecessary
requirement of at least a Degree is well misunderstandings developing, resulting
and sound, for we need well educated in frustrations, in fighting and at the end
people to run the programs of youth of the day our youth would suffer as a
development in the country, but one result. When we passed that Act of
might be discouraged by the salary Parliament in this august House we
offered. hoped for a great success of our NYS.
May I take this opportunity to reiterate Honourable Chairperson, many people
my full support of the introduction of the like to associate themselves with
175
success, and that applies to many of us of emergency management measures in
in this Chamber. Therefore it is my place should disaster strike. That is
sincere appeal to the National Youth good. However, it is our youth who is
Service leadership to ensure that our supposed to defend and be there to save
NYS program should be made visible the country from all calamities.
and everywhere in all the 13 regions.
We would like to see National Youth Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
doing real voluntary work such as members, the National Youth Service
serving at hospitals, especially in rural has now consume more than N$ 300 per
areas, old age homes and get involved in month on food only compared to N$3.6
HIV/AIDS Counselling etc. National million per year. The above-mentioned
youth should also be visible to all in all figure goes to private companies who
regions. We would like to see National import most of their products from
Youth Service having unit camps in all abroad. Imagine therefore, having that
13 regions. amount of money going in the coffers of
the National youth Service instead. It is
One would insist that the institute should really discouraging to note that the NYS
also take up some of these under utilized would spend all that money on food and
and unused Government properties and yet they would have produced food that
building laying around in the country as are rotting in their storage, instead of
their office for training centres, etc to them being allowed to purchase their
house them as they carry out National own produced products, thereby saving
Service on voluntary basis. valuable resources that would be used
for skill training for National Youth
Honourable members, National Youth Service Members.
Service as an institution is expected to
serve the nation on matters of emergency VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Can you
management. It is therefore adequate to please pass Honourable members some
call upon the institution to have water his throat is getting dry. You may
measures and provisions in place well in proceed Honourable member.
time to avoid what we call “okukola
okambwa esiku lyo milema itakawetha”. MR. NDJAMBULA: As we might
have seen, NYS could really be used to
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Can you produce even more food that could be
interpret that Honourable Ndjambula? sold to our government institutions such
as hospitals, schools, prison, military
MR. NDJAMBULA: I think anybody bases, etc.
can help.
That type of initiative and efforts would
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: No, you are ensure that the budget we send out to
the one saying it, or did you hear it serve the Government could be used to
somewhere? You may proceed. buy products from our NYS. Therefore,
it would be earned by our NYS and
MR. NDJAMBULA: We have seen our further contribute to funding skills
Deputy Prime Minister taking upon development on national development
herself to ensure that there are some sort projects under NYS. In the mean time
176
that for example inmates in prison would
consume food that was bought from our VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Why are you
NYS, giving money to NYS to fund their looking at Honourable Sabiya,
participation in railway line for example, Honourable Ndjambula?
hence the funds would recycle within the
government institution, and at the same MR. NDJAMBULA: It is really
time contributes to our national discouraging to note that our youth in
development objectives. particular are trying their best in
uplifting the most industries in Namibia.
Dear Honourable members, it would not However it would be even more
be a wise idea to have all Government encouraging to have the government
food supplying tenders to schools, involved in most developments.
prisons, police, defence, etc. made to
have a mandatory provision of buying One would have to initiate and
products from National Youth Service encourage Namibian cultures, cultural
product. Honourable Chairperson, music and arts that will promote not only
notwithstanding my full supports of our the culture and art in Namibia but also
bid 2010, at which we did not perform as contribute towards cultural-tourism.
we hoped, it was not really marketed and With this, I support Vote 27 and I thank
well presented here at home and one you.
would then advice that in future it should
be noble for one to intensely sell the idea VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
in the country before selling to others Honourable Ndjambula. I will now
elsewhere. Some sport loving Namibian recognize Honourable Mwilima.
might have just contributed to the biding
presentation, thereafter contributing to MR. MWILLIMA: Thank you very
its improvements when it is finally much Comrade Chairperson of the
presented at the selecting bodies. I Committee of the whole House,
would like to further commend on our Honourable members of this august
most loved sport, soccer. It is quite an House. I rise in support of Vote 27,
unfortunate situation to have one of our Ministry of Youth National Service,
once promising sport codes now Sport and culture with the allocated
declining at a faster pace. Efforts should amount of N$187 739 000.
not be spared in rectifying whatever
impediments of its development. It is a Firstly let me thank the Minister and his
disaster now Comrades. Deputy and indeed the entire staff of this
Ministry. In the last election held in our
I would also like to call on sport officers Republic we witnessed a big number of
because one wonders as to what went young people going to the polling
wrong with our sport activities, and one stations throughout the country. One
should perhaps think as we are only can wonder and ask what was in the
having Khomas national sport, we need minds of our youth when they flocked in
Namibian national sport which should be big numbers to the ballot box. They did
recruited or should have players from all not doubt in handing the Swapo party
the 13 regions not only players from another mandate to govern this country.
Khomas region. It is a fact that they did so because they
177
believe that it is the only party with a nations have faced lot of social and
clear programme to change for the better political differences, sports have been
their living standards. Our youth voted one of the most single factors which
for better education, better employment, have united them. It is therefore
better opportunities and indeed better important that all necessary sport codes
live standards. should receive as it has been mentioned
by my Comrade there. They need
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable support and we need to develop them.
members, I believe these are some of the Yes, I would like to join you by
land –marks for us to take stock of our wondering for how long will it takes to
achievements. The ever increasing produce another Frank Fredericks or a
number of young people year-in and Harry Simon?
year-out in the streets cannot be
accepted, something needs to be done. The state of football in this country is
The youth need to be equipped with really worrisome as Comrade Ndjambula
better training and skills for them to be just said. The team we previously so
able to be competitive on the global proudly called the Brave Warriors have
market. I am aware that the ministry almost faded. We need to have a better
have done some effort to address this developmental programme starting from
problem but I should believe that more the regions. A lot of talents have gone
need to be done and an example un-noticed in the rural areas. It must be
National Youth Service programme it clear that sport is no longer just a game
has resulted in some progress but as I but is business. Many have earned a
said much needs to be done. better life through sports. I am sorry
about the way we lost the hosting of the
However Comrade Chairperson, Africa Cup of Nations bid for 2010. I
Honourable members, after completing know about the unfairness in African
the National Youth Service we still find controlling body, most Southern African
a lot of young people in the streets, countries are suffering in this regard but
jobless, with no other means of survival. this must not be discouraging factors we
It is against this background that I need to continue to work hard.
suggest that some resources we need to
find should be put aside to help these Let me use this opportunity again to
young people after they have gone thank the delegation that represented us
through their training and skill so that in Egypt which was led by the Founding
they can also start their own business in Father of the nation Comrade Nujoma. I
the areas which they have studied or want to thank them for the job well done
trained for them to become self- for the delegation which represented us
employed and self-reliance. Also in the in Egypt.
areas of recruitment when it comes to
our police and defence forces these Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
young people I feel that time has come members, culture is one of our prides
that they should also enjoy priority. and it must not be forgotten. I am happy
When it comes to sport Comrade to note that in Namibia we have
Chairperson, Honourable members, accepted that all cultures are equal. No
history have proved that at times when culture is superior or inferior to the
178
other. Hence, I support the idea for make Namibia a star nation above all the
holding annual cultural festivals rotating other nations, no matter how
region to region, this is a very good idea disadvantage their region is in terms of
and it needs to be supported. I know of education. It does not mean that if they
our regional officers who have been fail Grade 10 or Grade 12 then they are
being visiting rural areas to promote useless.
culture in our communities and they
need our support. Honourable members of the House,
according to the understandable
With these few words Comrade complaint of the youth in my region
Chairperson, Honourable members, I there is a need for tertiary vocational
support the Vote and I thank you very training institutions in Kunene at least
much. two, one in Kunene south and the other
one in Kunene north. Those two
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you institutions will be attended by the Grade
Honourable Mwilima. Honourable 10 failures as well as Grade 12 school
Kavetu you may take the floor. leavers in the whole region as well as
from other regions of the country.
MS KAVETU: Honourable
Chairperson, Honourable members of Honourable members, education is a
the august House. I would like to prejudice for securing a good job for
contribute positively to this Vote 27. every young Namibian, therefore it is
Honourable members, Kunene is a great important to provide quality education to
region with a great number of people the youth in the entire region of Kunene
who have an endless struggle of which is one of the most looked down
improving their living standard and this upon region so that in future there will
great number of people are dominated by be tremendous achievement in education
the youth especially the Grade 10 and development.
failures as well as the Grade 12 school
leavers. Honourable Chairperson, I support the
Vote and I thank you.
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
members, the high rate of Grade 10 VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
failure in Kunene is well known by Honourable Kavetu. Honourable
everybody nationwide. Allow me to Kankoshi you may now take the floor,
elaborate on the issue of the youth in you will be followed by Honourable
Kunene. When I went to do research on Kavetuna
the youth in Kunene, the youth came
with this question: “how does the MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very
Government of this country consider the much Comrade Chairperson of the
future life of the youth in Kunene?” Committee of the whole House,
Further they said that they are the urgent Honourable members, much have been
of change, they are the future leaders just said, first I rise to support Vote 27 which
like other future leaders. If their future is Youth , National Services Sport and
educational careers is considered by the Culture.
good Government of Namibia, they can
179
So much has been said and I am only to the right Ministry and the Directorate
going to touch on culture. The to accelerate and consider this idea
Directorate of culture should be during its development budget.
applauded for coming up to
Constituency levels by hosting and In conclusion Comrade Chairperson of
organizing Constituency Cultural the Committee of the whole House, I
Festivals, because it is at the would like to put emphasis on sport, that
Constituencies where we have all sport and recreation facilities keep our
different types of artists and senior youth busy and if they are being kept
citizens who know most of our oral, busy during their leisure time they will
traditional culture and history. By have less time to be involved in immoral
coming down not closer to the people, activities.
but to the people has made it easier for
many people to participate in the Having said Comrade Chairperson of the
Constituency Cultural Festivals. What I Committee of the whole House,
would like to advice the line Ministry is Honourable members I support the Vote
to budget for Cultural Festivals at the and I thank you.
Constituency Levels, because as for now
nothing is being budgeted for at the VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
constituency level only the Regional Comrade Kankoshi. Honourable
Festivals are catered for by the line Kavetuna you may now take the floor.
Ministry. Again the Directorate of
culture should consider recruiting culture MR. KAVETUNA: Thank you
officers in each constituency, to be able Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
to organize and liaise not only with the members, I stood up to add my voice to
community but also with the Regional the Comrades who contributed
Head Office of the directorate efficiently immensely to this very important Vote
and effectively. of the Appropriation Bill. My
contribution to this very important Vote
Museum is also falling under culture in will be centred on recruitment of youth
Oshikoto region which is the north-gate in the regions to the National Service. I
of development to the whole northern am requesting the Minister to try by all
part of Namibia; we have a historical site means to recruit youth from every
at Okangili, Omandongo village in constituency when he starts with the new
Onayena constituency where the first intake.
Finnish Missionaries settled on the 9
July 1870 near the palace for the 7th The youth form the regions or
king of Ondonga, King Shikongo constituencies will be the marketers of
shaKalulu. Submission and proposal the National Youth Services in the
have been made for the Directorate of regions and constituencies. Some
Culture to consider building a museum opposition leaders see National Youth -
at Okangili Omandongo as proposed by Services as Swapo party promotional
the Constituency Development machinery which must be derailed by all
Committees of Onyaanya and Onayena means. We see the National youth
Constituencies respectively. Hence, I Service as a school excellence where
would like to humble appeal once again young people are taught to be self-
180
sufficient, disciplined and respectful. discussion? Any objection? The Vote is
``Koevoets`` were taught to kill innocent agreed to. Honourable members, I shall
people, none of them were complaining. now put Vote 28, Electoral Commission
If we teach our young people to be - N$8 807 000. Any discussion? Any
disciplined, respectful and self-sufficient objection? The Vote is agreed to.
it is when the complaining is coming. Honourable members, I shall now put
Vote 29, Information and Broadcasting
Secondly, I have to urge the Minister to - N$157 382 000. Any discussion? Yes,
continue with the good work, sport is the Honourable Shangheta.
next some of the sport codes are in
doldrums because of nepotism and MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
fights. Here I am talking about soccer much Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
and athletics. Please Minister, look into members. The Namibia Broadcasting
this problem of the mentioned sport Corporation (NBC) which is the only
codes and let the leaders burry their public broadcaster in Namibia has over
differences and work together to the years worked hard to fulfil its
promote the sport codes in Namibia and mandate of informing, educating and to
on the African continent and the world at entertain Namibians and the visitors
large. We must produce other Frank alike this notwithstanding dwindling
Fredericks, Agnes Samaria and resources-financial, material and
Elizabeth Mogudhi. We must also intermittent of human capital.
produce soccer stars. Soccer stars are
scattered all over Namibia but because Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
of the influx no one is seeing these members, as an illustration of dwelling
potential Brave Warriors in the regions financial resources, the Corporation’s
and constituencies. The whole thing is subsidy has decreased from its peak of
only centred in Windhoek and the N$9.4 million in year 2003 and year
Premier League but not on the normal 2004 financial years to N$4.9 million in
leagues and the regions at large. the previous financial year. In the
Brave Warriors have the capacity to current financial year, the subsidy
conquer Africa and the world. Our slightly increased to N$5.3 million a
neighbour Angola have done it but not drop in the ocean compared to the needs
Namibia. that have increased. The above-
mentioned situation must be viewed
On culture, I have to thank the Minister against the backdrop of the corporation
for exposing our cultures every year by having to contend with expanded
holding the national cultural festivals. mandate notably the introduction of
This encourages the cultural groups, indigenous news bulletin and imperative
even every region and every year would of service equipment and replace them
do better to take the first place. With with the latest state-of-the-art
this few words, Comrade Chairperson, equipment.
Honourable members, I rest my case and
I thank you. Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members, in spite of the above, the
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you corporation has never been silent and the
Honourable Kavetuna. Any further continuous in its national mandate to
181
keep the nation informed of the national programmes at the risk of further
and international development. The encouraging its clients who are almost of
extensive coverage of the recent their wits in terms of what they perceive
devastating floods in Mariental in the as poor quality programs.
Hardap region is an example.
Inadequate resources limit the Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
corporation’s ability to cover members, on its study the executive has
newsworthy items all over the country. acknowledged its shortcomings in terms
This situation has to lead to newsmakers of managing the institution as well as the
such as national, political leaders and resources at its disposal. As such,
other prominent members of our society management environment that will place
bitterly to complain of what they the institution in a better position should
perceive as selective coverage by the pursue its corporate objectives. To this
NBC. The realization of the long end, the outcome of the ongoing forensic
mooted second channel for the live Audit exercise will be of great assistance
coverage of proceedings in the to the corporation in developing any
parliament continues to remain a appropriate turnaround strategy.
pipedream. While the existing
infrastructure at the NBC has the Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
capacity to accommodate a second members notwithstanding the above
channel forthwith, perpetual lack of however, the corporation will not
funds continue to thwart the realization succeed in the current competitive
of this project. It is therefore clear that environment if its funding remains at the
unless requisite resources are provided, current level. Hence, the imperative for
the corporation will continue to be on the subsidy of the corporation to be
the receiving end or at times attacks by increased at least to the year 2003/04
the entire nation. Equally, it is financial year level.
noteworthy, this is the second financial
year that the corporation is failing to With these few remarks, I thank you and
honour an increase on the salaries of its I support the Vote. Thank you.
staff. This situation will yet see an
exodus of valuable human capital to VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
other institutions depleting the institution Honourable Shangheta. Honourable
of its human resources who are the key Hakaye you may take the floor.
determines of any organization’s
success. Worse of all, failure to MR. HAKAYE: I thank you very
implement the salary increase has led to much Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
the recognized bargaining unit resorting members of this august House, I rise to
to the courts to seek redress of the register my observations as regard to the
matter. Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting. Information is very
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable important, some register that information
members, a corporation is also the is power. When you get information or
receiving eared in terms of television when informed then you can make
programs. Due to lack of money the informed decisions. This goes together
NBC is compelled to repeat old with the saying that “an informed nation
182
on various issues of the nation, of the on monthly subscription, but as
world and elsewhere will always be in a politicians, as sport fans, as people of
better position to understand and address different interests; we find certain
issues”. Our colleagues in this Ministry interesting programmes on those radio
should be made to pull up their socks. and TV coverage on DSTV. So we
The nation out there is making news but sacrifice.
news is not brought forward by the
national broadcaster that is being paid I think it is high time that as we start
for by the people of this country. One debating that our corporation (Namibia
wonders that normally certain Broadcasting Corporation) TV should
governments’ censor news in the most find time to avail certain programmes
self -proclaimed countries like United covered by DSTV and therefore save
State of America; news is being Namibians from being over charged by
censored and they are advocating that foreign television providers that are here.
others should open up, but in Namibia it Otherwise the nation will continue to be
is the other way round. highly exploited. One thing is that
DSTV is not up to date, you can pay
The news is censuring the news makers. wherever like in Oshakati or anywhere
They do not cover news as it happens else but still you will have your system
but they are so selective in what they cut off and when you go there it is just
feel the nation can be fed with at their many excuses. When you fail to pay one
own taste. So, what is taste to them day or two, penalty is already on, but
sometimes is not taste to the nation. I they don’t penalize themselves for the
therefore with this allocation want to see inconveniences when they have cut your
good coverage in all 13 regions and if programmes that you have paid for and
need be in all constituencies of the that you want to watch. I think NBC
country. These are government set-ups radio coverage, even in Oshakati has
and these are the role players as now what they call a “digitalized
stakeholders in as far as information is system” but I think the question is not
concerned so that at least all that is only digitalizing the system. Big people
happening throughout the country is that are there also need to be trained
being covered and reported to the nation Comrade Chairperson.
and not only feeding the world with the
negative picture of Namibia. Namibia is People need to be trained on how to
having a lot of positive pictures that also operate this digital system because they
need to be taken and market the country. will be more worth if they are trained
and maybe become more potential for
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable Namibia; contribute and understand this
members, I am not the only one to be digital technology that you are talking
disturbed by the overcharging of the about. All in all one wonders were the
Namibian nation by foreign media in money go that we put for information if
particular DSTV. Maybe our people are not trained, new equipment
corporation does not have access to other are not bought. I think those cameras
ends of the world to bring us information were organized by the Founding
and that is why DSTV is taking President when he was acting at the
advantage. The chargers are just too high Ministry of Information at one point in
183
time. He organized it at political good international news so that we can do
will, but all in all, NBC is all the time in better and play our role as better citizens.
arrears. Programmes cannot be covered Our national broadcaster as my
because there is no money. An Comrades have said before me which is
explanation is needed here. NBC or the NBC continues to receive a share
Ministry of Information owe this nation from the government as of today. What
an explanation on how the money is is important to me now is, are this
spend if they are not covering resources being well managed to the
everywhere and everything and they do benefit of our people?
not train people. The nation needs to
know and what action can be taken to I am aware that during the year 2004
improve the NBC. That is more sensitive NBC received an amount of N$9 million
and I am very much serious because while for the year 2005 it was cut to
even this august House, certain N$4.9 million. I think the cut can be one
contributions made here are not added of the factors which can contribute to the
either at the radio or on TV. The Vote problems which our broadcaster is
can just pass by without coverage. I am finding today. My concern also lies with
not saying that we did not contribute but the way the broadcaster collects its
like today we did not say anything on the revenue, the payment of TV license is
Electoral Commission and National one of the major way of collecting
Planning Commission. If you can run it revenue by the NBC, but my problem is
from the National preparation, National its seems it is not well managed.
Planning Commission, I think there is
little for one to contribute. The whole Penduka which is entrusted with this
documents are well, coverage is there important task seem to be performing
but we members cover and express below expectation. NBC is lacking in
ourselves, we want the nation to know. service training and many experienced
Do not censor us as we also do not intent staff with expertise have left the
to censor you. broadcaster for greener pastures since
the institution can not afford to increase
With these few remarks Comrade their salaries. Most equipment in use
Chairperson, I thank you and support the now is old and affects the quality of
Vote. service. I would expect for the
broadcaster to have a second channel to
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you be able to air the parliamentary debates
Honourable Chief Whip Hakaye. live so that our citizens can follow the
Honourable Mwilima you may now take debate without unnecessary interruption,
the floor. misquoting and so on.
MR. MWILIMA: Thank you Comrade Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
Chair, Honourable members. Firstly let members, in the Caprivi region some
me thank the Minister of Information areas such as the Congola area
and Broadcast for this Vote. It is constituency cannot view the TV
important that as a nation our citizens channels up to date. Although there is a
should be kept informed of all the solar system there, but due to the low
regional, national as well as the battery which will cost N$2000.00, for
184
six months now the people are denied to VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
view the TV programmes due to the Honourable members, I hope you had a
point where NBC cannot pay that good breakfast. I shall now put Vote 30,
N$2000.00. Something needs to be done Anti–Corruption Commission - N$ 6579
in this regard. The radio channel at 000. Any discussion? Yes, Honourable
Tsumkwe cannot cover the people of Shangheta please take the floor.
Western Caprivi because those at that
area speak a different language which is MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
Khoedam. Therefore there is a need to much Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
employ somebody who speaks the members, today I want to comment very
language at Tsumkwe station so that the briefly on Anti–Corruption Commission.
people of Western Caprivi can also be Firstly I would like to comment on our
covered. dear Comrade his Excellency
Hifikepunye Pohamba for initiating the
Comrade Chairperson, Honourable policy of zero tolerance against
members, I am aware as I said that most corruption. Some of us who had
machines of the broadcaster are old and privileges of knowing President
the regions are suffering the most Pohamba before independence can
because they are the ones that receive testify that he had been a man who never
the worn-out machines and there are no tolerated corruption. He demonstrated
qualified technicians in the regions that this when he was responsible for
they can at least fix these machines. The SWAPO finances during the liberation
Silozi service can only be heard in some struggle. The Director of the Anti-
areas of our country such as Windhoek, Corruption Commission and his Deputy
Oshakati, Rundu and Gobabis. We are already in place. It is also good to
would like it to be heard in some areas see that here we have the budget of the
of our country if not throughout the Commission on the table for our
country. approval. I believe that Anti–Corruption
Commission’s success will depend on
Lastly Comrade Chairperson, many factors. Firstly, the leadership and
Honourable members, there is no print the staff to be recruited will play a
media in the Caprivi region as I am determining factor. As with other
talking to you now. There was a Nampa institutions the support the commission
office but it was closed, therefore will receive from the Namibian people
something needs to be done also in this will also be crucial and the resources at
area. the disposal of the commission which
will enable it to do its work.
I support the Vote and I thank you very
much. Our people need to be educated to know
what is meant by corruption and if a
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you citizen sees somebody driving a
Honourable Mwilima. Any further beautiful car that should not always be
discussion? Any objection? The Vote is interpreted as corruption. In many cases
agreed to. Honourable members, we it is a sign of hard work. The Anti–
shall now break for tea until 11:05. Corruption Commission of Namibia I
believe was supposed to cover the whole
185
country with the budget of N$6 579 000. approved by this Committee of the
It is from this budget were staff will whole Council without amendments.
draw their salaries, publicity, material,
transport and other needs for planning Comrade Chairman, I wish to report that
the work of the commission. Therefore the Committee has gone through Vote
it is my sincerely hope and wish that the [B.2 – 2006] and has agreed to it without
N$6 579 000 could be enough. amendments.
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
members, allow me before I conclude and congratulations. It was hard few
my brief remarks to say something on days. The Secretary will read the second
the wide spread disappearing of money order of the day.
in our line Ministries, State Owned
Enterprises, Regional Councils and the SECOND ORDER READ:
Local Councils. We are aware that the
institutions I just mentioned issued SECRETARY: Introduction:
cheques in conformity with their set up. I Motivation of Reports, report of
want to appeal to the Ombudsman and National Council Standing Committee
the office of Auditor-General which I am on Foreign Affairs, Defence and
sure they work together with the Anti- Security on its regional visit under
Corruption Commission to release from taken from the 08 -31 August 2005.
time-to-time the methods or systems
being employed by those institutions in CHAIRMAN: Will Honourable Hakaye
handling public money. This I believe move the report.
would help in sealing all loopholes
which the crooks are using to steal the MR. HAKAYE: Yes, Comrade
public money. Corruption is evil and Chairman.
must be fought against with
determination until it is rooted out. CHAIRMAN: Who seconds? Any
objection? Agreed to. Can Honourable
With these few remarks, I support the Hakaye table the report? Honourable
Vote and I thank you. Chief Whip, you now have the floor.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
Honourable Shangheta. Any further Comrade Chairman, Honourable
discussion? Any objection? The Vote is members of this august House I wish to
agreed to. Honourable members, we bring to the attention of this august
have finished with all the Votes totalling House the report of Standing Committee
to the amount of N$13 677 120 000. So, of the National Council on Foreign
I shall now put Clause 1, any discussion? Affairs, Defence and Security as it
Any objection? It is agreed to. I shall undertook a familiarization visit to
now put the Short Title, Clause 2, any regions as from the 08 -31 August 2005.
discussion? Any objection? It is agreed In carrying out its noble task as assigned
to. Well done Honourable members. I to it, that is overseeing line Ministries
shall report [B.2 – 2006] as been responsible for the security and safety of
the Republic of Namibia, its people,
186
properties, territorial integrity, air space, of our country, our people and
territorial waters and to as well look into their properties at large and at all
the well-being, the working times.
environments/conditions of men and
women in uniforms who are charged by In so doing Comrade Chairman, we in
the Government of the Republic of the Committee have got every reason to
Namibia with the sacred duty of the believe that the Committee can with the
provision of safety, security and the blessing of this august House channel its
maintenance of law and order in our recommendations and those
country. recommendations made by the
Commanding Officers or by members of
The Standing Committee of the National the forces themselves to the relevant
Council has to above all seek audience authority at the highest level of our
and blessing of the line ministries at the Government. As many of you all know
ministerial level before preceded to Comrade Chairman, Honourable
regions. The mission to regions was members that the majority of the
however a two-way fold: - Committee Members where also not
only new to parliament but also new in
1. That is for the Honourable the field of Councillorship, so we
members to obtain first hand strongly believe that experience gained
information on the ground, will be as well put at best use in our
concerning the well-being of the home constituencies and in our regions
men and women we have respectively.
assigned to maintain safety,
security, law and order in the The Committee however could not cover
country, the conditions they are all the thirteen (13) regions of the
living in and their working country due to the fact that our
environment under which they allocations can just not carry us there.
operate in carrying out their day We very much regret for the
to day assignments; inconvenience caused but it was not by
2. For the Honourable members of desire or choice but because of financial
the Committee to arm themselves constraints. The Committee further
with all around information believed that security issues are by and
concerning the functions and large in one way or the other
activities of the line Ministries interrelated, especially to the immediate
under the ambits of the neighbours, e.g. the banditry situation
Committee, to develop good that was in Angola, Rwanda, DRC,
working relations and for the Liberia, in SADC Region, Africa and the
Honourable members to enrich rest of the world at large for instance the
themselves with the actual threat of Al Qaeda. These are some of
situation on the ground so that the departure points one need to have in
the Honourable members can mind when one is self talking of the
best in their contributions address Security matters and that no country is
the real issues concerning the an Island or Immune to world security
lives of our men and women in threats, hence the need for national or
uniforms and the overall security foreign policy in that regard.
187
conditions at all times. As a result of the
Comrade Chairman, Honourable above stated conditions a number of
members of this august House. In this skilled and energetic personnel are
report in front of you I have stated that leaving the forces unabatedly especially
before going to the regions, primary in the Air Wing and the Navy Forces,
meetings were organized at the taking with them skills and
Ministerial levels with the Committee, qualifications they have received at the
right here. This was necessary comrade expenses of the said wings of armed
Chairman that members of the forces. Those who by virtue of love,
Committee would not only be given a dedication and committed to the Defence
sort of approval or blessing but would be of the motherland, its people and
given a compass to visit those ministries properties are those who opted to brave
apparatus in the regions that they have a their livelihood to endure the harsh
clue on as to what they are likely to find conditions offered to them by the present
in the regions. Namibia Defence Forces in its present
forms and that of the Namibia Police and
Primary meetings at ministerial levels other forces.
where thus organized and kicked off
with the visit to the Ministry of Safety Comrade Chairman, Honourable
and Security, Ministry of Home Affairs members of this august House, ever
and Immigration, the Ministry of since Namibia Defence Forces took over
Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Military Apparatus and Installations that
Namibian Defence Force. where used by the then racist colonial
forces namely:
There is almost unison in problems in all
the ministries that are dealing with the 1. South Africa Defence Force
Safety and Security of our people. This (SADF)
has been there and continues to be there, 2. South Africa Air Force (SAAF)
if the Ministry of Finance continues to 3. South Africa Police (SAP) and
cut Budget allocation to ministries that its watch dogs such Koevoets,
are dealing with Safety and Security and SWAFT, Etango –
as long as certain persons in the Budget 4. Ezuva/Ejuva and so forth.
circles remains to entertain harsh and
even hostile attitudes towards the Little was done, if at all in the
Defence, Namibia Police, Immigrations, improvement or renovation of such
Prisons and Correctional Service Offices facilities. As you may be well aware
Budget allocations. Honourable members that such
structures were not put up on permanent
However, Comrade Chairman, basis and as such they were not
Honourable members of this august strategically located as they were only
House, this does not only put the state of put or aimed on where the security
safety and security of our nation in threats were coming from that time in
jeopardy, but as such making the this case the then People’s Republic of
working environment, condition and the Angola, Republic of Zambia and so on
social welfare of our men and women in which is not the case today.
uniforms a misery and most unbearable
188
Comrade Chairman, one can imagine victory after victory when participating
how these places look like 16 years later. in peace keeping missions starting with:
Dilapidating, falling apart and became
life threatening to personnel on a daily Cambodia
basis. In this regard this goes along with Angola
cooking, cooling and storage facilities SADC Peace Keeping mission in the
that are not only going beyond their life DRC
span, but are equally not enough health Liberia-UN Peace Mission
hazardous. Dafur in Sudan and many areas
ACCOMMODATION We do also have military observers in
different peace keeping processes World
The State of accommodation of our wide. When our men and women came
forces has become unbearable, it can be back home triumphant (which they
in the Army, Air force or Navy but for always do) then every one “our boys and
Navy this will be a thing of the past now girls really make us proud and high”.
as its accommodation is under The question is here now; are we equally
construction at Walvis Bay and also for making them proud and high? Could
Namibian Police or prison wardens. that be the way we can proudly say that
Some times if not in most cases we are doing our boys and girls proud?
inmates/prisoners were well off than
those who are looking after them when it EDUCATION AND TRAINING
comes to accommodation.
Accommodation is in a state of disarray Namibia as country does not have either
and life threatening. You cannot talk of an Army or Police Academy of her own.
Army or Police barracks in Namibia and You ask how, or what about Osona or
there are no Quarters of married persons Patrick Iyambo? Unfortunately these two
in both forces. They are scattered all institutions are not Academic setups my
over, some are squatting with relatives. dear Honourable members; they are just
Mind you, these people are armed with mere training centres for new recruits or
all kinds of service fire arms. As a intakes. An academy is a College where
result, their fire arms end up in wrong you can send your officers (high ranking
hands sometimes being abused and they officers) if you wish them to gain
are the ones that will be blamed for such professional training and promotions,
incidents. unlike now that their promotion is at
mercy of their superiors.
ARSENAL AND EQUIPMENTS
Now Honourable Chairman and
Namibia armed forces are ill armed and Honourable members, only a limited
are equipped with out fashioned number of our men and women in
armours, the majority of which where uniforms are sent out to friendly
designed for Second World War countries for studies and as you are all
(SWW). Thanks to the donation made by aware the world security has drastically
SWAPO Party’s Army, People’s sifted. You talk of computers and high
Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN). tech. Honourable Members believe me
The Namibia Defence forces are making or not these demands will cost a lot of
189
money but it is a matter of necessity and Honourable Kaura who erroneously
not a privilege. stated he just made last year in a bid to
abuse the intelligence of our senior
In the same vain, Comrade Chairman, citizens. It is an insult and uncalled for
Honourable members, I would like to to me, there is not a civilized
inform this august House that Honourable members not even a
Immigration Officials and Civic Affairs politician of Honourable Kaura’s caliber
were not decentralized and the majority can afford to make such silly, funny
of them are hampered by lack of mistake such as this one in public or
transport and accommodation including other wise. Kaura has had his turn and
office accommodation. This trend tenure of ruling this country.
deprives regions of able and qualified
personnel hence heaps of national Senior citizens know him and his puppet
documents are piled in the regions administration when he or his
because of this. administration was taxing the old age
pension in order to maintain the foreign
Where as our Embassies and High occupational troops that were in this
Commissions are said to be in most country. So, Honourable members must
cases understaffed or some times our first think before making themselves
country is said to be either under subject of laughter and ridicule
represented or sometimes not even themselves.
represented in some important world
forums sighting financial constraints as On that line Comrade Chairman,
well. In today’s world Comrade Honourable members, a technical team
Chairperson, Honourable members, is necessary to look in the plight of the
diplomacy is believed to be a very remunerations of their entire Security
effective weapon in world conflicts Forces and to revisit the Pension
solving, economic ties and so on. In Package offered to the retired officers as
Namibia we have what we call economic soon as possible. As such we have quite
diplomacy which equally needed fresh more than enough officers that are no
examination on its effectiveness for the longer productive that are kept in the
country. forces for fear of their Pension pay be
out as it stands now. They have opted to
over stay in order to bring some
REMUNERATION AND PENSION improvements to their Pension packages
PAY OUT PACKAGING SYSTEM as they were recruited almost over age.
After spending their youthful age in the
The present remuneration system of our struggle that brought independence, and
security forces need to be revisited as a make it possible for Kaura and others to
matter of urgency and put at an speak as they do today without fear.
international accepted standard unlike Then the question of one third (1/3) of
what has transpired in our forces today. members pension as collateral.
These salaries are extremely low,
Comrade Chairman and Honourable Comrade Chairperson, Honourable
members. I do not even like to make members, the GIPF arrangement that is
references to the statement made by making one third (1/3) of members a
190
collateral is not helping any body here doing Honourable Chairman,
and more so the most hard hit is our Honourable members, Namibia will
brothers and sisters in uniform with low avoid creating an army of retired
income. This causes most people to be personnel with yet another topical
indebted with their bank accounts as problem of its own kind.
they are paying high interest rates out of
their own accounts and nowhere one Already Namibia has lost quite a good
third (1/3) is featured. Why this number of potential personnel who
arrangement, one may ask. We are deeply participated in the Liberation
however saying, instead GIPF can War who either converted to Civilian
arrange by way of devising a live or were not lucky to form part of the
mechanism, by means of which a new dispensation for one reason or
beneficiary is given one-third for or per another. This time we make sure that
cent, or whatever the calculation may be, these retired officers will be treated in a
to its members at hand and not as a way that they will make themselves
collateral for a sole purpose of available when called, as we will need
construction of a decent house for all its their wisdom expertise and experience
(GIPF) members. Not only men and they obtained over the years, in different
women in uniform but the entire situations while serving in the forces.
membership of GIPF should benefit if
we are to directly benefit from our own Comrade Chairman, Honourable
Pension Fund. members, I would like to emphasize that
it was not by coincidence that this august
The Committee was thus pushed in a House was going to adopt this report the
defenceless corner when we were same time it was going to approve this
bombarded with the said information, year’s budget, which is pro-poor and
surrounding the pay-out packages of the pro-growth I believe, that next years’
retired officers. One can literally do Budget will be Pro-poor Pr- growth and
nothing with the present packaging Pro-Security, because Comrade
system, thus most old guards have opted Chairman prosperity goes Hand-in-hand
to overstay despite the fact that they with Security.
knew they have nothing much to
contribute physically to the forces. On that note Comrade Chairman,
Therefore Comrade Chairman, Honourable members, this Committee
Honourable members, as it was stated pin its hope in the National Council to
earlier on that, much is needed to be uphold our report and render your usual
done for the well-being of our uniformed and undivided support to our report and
personnel in order to correct the many its recommendations.
wrongs that are there in order to attract
new and young people to join the forces On behalf of the Committee on Foreign
and take over from the old guards. It is Affairs-Defence and Security,
equally the responsibility of the commanders and High Ranking Security
Government to ensure and facilitate if Officers and indeed on my own behalf, I
not guarantee a smooth passage of the would like to thank you Honourable
old guards to their retirement as martyrs, members for your valuable time and
Heroes and Heroin’s of the soil. By so attention.
191
So I move. Metal and electronic detector machines
should be recommended in order to do
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much away with manual searching mostly in
Honourable Hakaye, for your Pro- our prisons, in order to detect and avoid
security and detailed report. Any further the smuggling of unwanted objects into
discussion? Yes Honourable Kankoshi. prisons by the visitors and inmates
themselves. Stainless steel locks for the
MR. KANKOSHI: Thank you very cells are recommended at the prison at
much Comrade Chairperson, Honourable the Coast.
members, as Deputy Chairperson of the
Committee allow me to also use this The Committee also found out that there
opportunity to thank and congratulate is an urgent need to educate the public
the Honourable Chairperson of on the importance of birth certificates,
Committee Comrade Hakaye, members death certificates, and identity
of the Committee Comrade Aram Martin documents, in order for the public out
and Comrade Barakias Namwandi the there mostly the San Community to
Committee Clerk, Comrade Amalia Iita benefit from the maintenance and social
and the man behind the wheel Comrade grants offered by the Government of the
Eliaser Shikukumwa for their Republic of Namibia.
unwavering cooperation, good working
relationship, mutual understanding and Inmates who obtained skills at different
team work, during the month long visit Rehabilitation centres like Divundu,
to the ten regions of the Republic of Farm Scott and Oluno, should be utilized
Namibia; Otjozondjupa, Caprivi, to construct and renovate Government
Kavango, Oshikoto, Oshana, buildings, repair government vehicles,
Ohangwena, Omusati, Kunene, Erongo hence the importance of in-house
and Khomas. Congratulations arrangement at the inter ministerial level
Comrades. is recommended. Food and beef
produced at these Rehabilitation Centres
Comrade Chairman, Honourable should also be recommended to be
members, we are living in the world of consumed by our men and women in
technology, so the security of the uniform, as these are nutritious and
country should also be that level, hence quality food.
the importance of adjusting the salaries Therefore Comrade Chairman,
of our men and women in uniforms Honourable members, the report is clear
should be addressed as a matter of and to the point, so have time to read it
urgency in order to retain the and I thank you.
experienced and skilled personnel
mostly in Navy and Air force, whereby CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
the private companies are offering Honourable Kankoshi. Honourable
decent and high salaries. Shangheta you may take the floor.
When it comes to prison The Searching MR. SHANGHETA: Comrade
Equipment: Chairman, thank you very much. I
wanted to postpone this debate, but if
192
there is somebody who wants to take
part can do so first. Honourable Chairman, Honourable
members of this august House, the
CHAIRMAN: Honourable Martin you Ministry should also look at the lack of
may take the floor. man power at those officers as a matter
of urgency e.g. five or four staff
MR. MARTIN: Thank you very much members cannot serve a region like
Comrade Chairman and members of this Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena and
august House. As a member of this Oshikoto, this is unhealthy and not safe.
Committee I would like to take this
opportunity to add a little bit on the Comrade Chairperson, I thank you.
report tabled by my Chairperson. Mine
is directed to the Ministry of Home CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
Affairs and Immigration. Honourable Martin, next to take the
floor would be Honourable Mensah-
This Ministry should consider officers’ Williams.
accommodation especially in Oshakati,
Rundu and Katima Mulilo as a first VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you
priority, because there is a need of very much Comrade Chairman,
extended and renovations to enable them Honourable members. First of all I
to accommodate both staff as well as congratulate the Committee who have
customers. This office is too small really done a wonderful job within the
without air conditions and outside toilets limited scope of resources that they had
and can influence staff to deliver poor to execute the task and I think that is
services. There is a lack of why during the debate of the National
communication for example faxes, Council, members were all in agreement
telephone lines is contributing to poor that there should be more funds allocated
services. It is difficult for them to for this house of Review to do what they
enquire help from other regions or to should do; to review and propose
communicate with those at the border recommendations. So I want to thank
posts. Many activities can take place at this Committee for doing very well
the Border posts like death, fraud or within a short space of time but also with
foreigners migrating into Namibia which the low resources at their disposal. I
can lead to a big communication hope the Minister of Finance will listen
problem because of a lack of so that in the next budget she will
communication facilities. allocate more funds for Standing
Committees to do their job properly and
We are requesting Honourable Minister to instate Government Ministries to
to fix computers in order to avoid come up with solutions to the
duplications or computerizing all development problems of our country.
information records of birth certificates.
The manual system for birth certificates Having said that, Comrade Chairman,
and IDs gives headache because the Honourable members, I was disturbed
clients could re-apply more than once. when I read that within the Ministry of
Computers are very much needed to Defence as well as Prisons that no
replace the manual system. subsistence and travel allowances are
193
paid in some places and that even drivers you are my friend or if you belong to my
have to sleep in cars. This is inhuman camp then you are pushed forward, but if
and not acceptable, that should not be you do not belong to my camp than you
accepted at all. Already our uniform stay put. The camps are everywhere,
personnel do not get any over time paid they are even at NBC that is why you
whatsoever. So it is not right that in the can take a picture and you can cut out
lines of duty they have to travel from two people sitting next to each other and
their families, they have to travel from the middle one is cut out, the first one
their homes. In our culture if we eat and the third one is taken. So, this camp
porridge we eat it at home you can’t business should stop because even here
carry the porridge with you were ever when it comes to our services the
you go and it is not in all places were protection of this country and the
you have somebody that you know. So it protection of people in this country by
is not acceptable and that is why we are uniformed personnel and are also
very fast to pass the buck to say these affected by these camps. So vakwetu
people are corrupt and they have corrupt leave the camps. People are here to
practices. Obviously if it comes to the protect Namibian citizens. They are not
survival of the fittest then this is what is here to protect the gods who are in
going to happen, but if we are going to charge of those defence units. Those are
treat people unequal. If we travel we get not gods, these are people rendering a
SNT, why should they not get SNT service, not all of them obviously. There
when they travel? I think it is something are very good ones and they are also the
good and the recommendations I have bad ones and its good that this come to
looked at is also good because this is like that certain Commanding Officers
really not acceptable at all. are promoted without the Commanding
Officer’s consent and knowledge. How
The finance division/personnel within do you promote somebody under my
those ministries should ensure that this is supervision? I am the best person to give
not happening and we want to give the a promotional performance report about
support to the Minister concerned when that person. Why should somebody else
he is requesting for more funds because come and do it? Is this not why we have
this Committee has now gone down to a lack of skilled personnel in our country
the bottom of it and have highlighted because people who are skilled and
what the real problems are to support resourceful as the Chairperson was
what the Honourable Minister have said. saying, are neglected, they are resigning,
they are leaving their jobs. We are
Also when it comes the next one on sometimes not taking care of our skilled
conditions of service and promotions, I resources. That is why people who are
am happy that the Committee has very well equipped who have even
highlighted here something that I have liberated this country leave the force for
heard that was a rumour but now that the unnecessary reasons.
Committee has clarified that, you have
also highlighted that this is what people Accommodation and health is a very
are saying. The promotion of people in serious issue Comrade Chairperson of
uniform is not always done according to this Committee and Honourable
the rules, procedures are not followed. If members, Honourable Chairman of the
194
National Council. The police barracks in There are seamstress and semesters in
Namibia up till today are still not this country. They are very good in
catering for married people. How come? doing. There are many unemployed
And this is why it is good that this people. They can produce wonderful
Committee has also made uniforms, even the prisoners themselves.
recommendations. We are talking about Why can we not occupy them and let
the issue of HIV/Aids in this country. them make these uniforms for these
For example at the Grootfontein Base people? Why don’t we use the resources
when I went there I observed that the that we have in prisons? These people
wives and husbands of these armed are there to be rehabilitated and I think
personnel (the security forces) cannot that is maybe something that you can
stay with them at the Base. So what do add when you add your
they do? These are human beings and as recommendations Comrade Chairperson
a consequence they indulge themselves of the Committee. We are saying people
into extra marital sexual relations and should be rehabilitated to be taken back
this is how HIV/Aids is being spread. So into society but we don’t allow these
indirectly we are contributing to the people to repent to come back into
spreading of HIV/Aids because we are society. These people need to be
not making provision and we have a accepted in society and this is also a skill
Married Persons’ Equality Act in this that they can acquire. When those
country. Why are we still doing things people come out, they will not come and
outside the parameters of the laws that be perpetrators of crime again. They can
we are making in this country? It is not go somewhere and they should be
right that in these barracks there is no accepted because this issue also
provision for married people. There Comrade Chairperson of the Committee
should be a clear indication that if you “once a criminal - always a criminal” is
go and look at the statistics of HIV/Aids very bad. If somebody has stayed crime
in those areas, where those people are free for 10, 15 to 20 years, why should
situated you will find that it is really we still punish that person? The person
very high. These people go back to their has had his or her punishment this
loved ones and they go and infect their person served the sentence, that person
love ones with this illness. This is how has rehabilitated. Why should this
we loose so many competent men and person still be seen as a criminal?
women in this country. Because when ever you are applying for
a job or anything you must give a police
I am very appreciative to the Committee clearance and we push these people back
who have highlighted this and made to go and commit crimes again because
recommendations and I hope that this they do not find jobs. They are skilled
will be taken very seriously in the but can’t do anything then they
allocation of funds to assist the ministry. perpetrate other crimes. So, we are also
The officers also complained about the culprits in the society of making our
uniforms that they have to wear which is community not crime free.
of low quality. Why should we have
uniforms of low quality? The tender Then the landing script is also a concern
procedures are very clear. There are to me Comrade Hakaye and your team,
many Namibians who can do very well. Comrade Chairman of the Committee
195
when they say that it emerged from the phone not the whole world can hear
meeting with the army personnel that what the other person is saying. So
often aircrafts are left unattended for a communication is also a way of moving
week or more and the army personnel forward in order to reduce crime.
mentioned that these unchecked and
uncontrolled flights might lead to illegal The physical state and conditions of
immigration, illegal import and exports prison cells is a major concern, and I
of items into the country including think this is also something that our
drugs. Our country is full of drug Ombudsman has spoken about when he
abuses, alcohol abuse is very high but visited the cells. The state in which these
drug abuse is currently even at our prisons or detention centres are is really
schools. This is resulting in a security horrible, you cannot expect human
threat afraid to the nation. We know beings to be put there. These are our
there are mighty nations who can come people. They come from our societies.
in and do what ever they want in our Some of them are foreigners but they are
country. They can even arrange to topple few and the majority are Namibians. We
a Government coup d`etat. This is how it have in our Constitution Article 95(e)
happens. that states: “All citizens of the Republic
We are in a stable and peaceful country of Namibia shall be treated with dignity
we cannot allow such security threats to and will have the basic access to
continue. So I am very happy that the services”.
community have highlighted that and
made recommendations according to Are we not contravening our highest
this. organ of law in this country? The
cockroaches are all over if you visit
I have two more issues. The one is on these cells. It is dirty, it is un-hygienic,
communication devices in relation to and the toilets are not working. The
early detection of crime and then the person has only committed a crime but is
Committee have recommended on the still a human being. This person still has
issue of radios. These two-way radios; dignity. Then we are wondering why
this is how criminals actually are in front these people are becoming even worse
of the police because they listen in on criminals. As Christians we should be
this radios. With this radios you can the conscious of the people and I am
hear them from far when the police are happy that this Committee have also
talking to each other “you must go to highlighted this and came up with
crime scene what, what, what”. When a recommendations because we cannot
criminal hears this somebody hears, that allow this type of behaviour to continue
is how they call from the cell phones that we have holding cells and prisons
telling each other “be careful they are on which are not really human friendly. It is
their way, escape” etc. Technology is not unacceptable; it is against the
just advancing for us to stay behind. No Constitution of the Republic of Namibia.
it is for a good reason. There are cell Lockup facilities as the Committee has
phones, we know there are cheaper cell investigated are not even set-up and I am
phones, there are contract cell phones reading here that actually divides
etc. Why can’t we make use of this females from males or juveniles from
technology? When you speak on the cell hardcore prisoners.
196
sick, to die, and who is going to
I remember the Founding Father has remunerate their families? These people
always stated that he do not want this have families, they are fathers and
closed prisons, he want one or so for mothers. Let us not treat our uniform
hardcore criminals, but for this light personal as if they were low class
crime let people be productive and citizens. They are the people who
contribute and let them be turned over protect us, so let us also allocate funds
into productive citizens when they come that we make available for them to do
back into society. So it is very so. It is enough that they earn peanuts as
disturbing to learn that still we have this salaries. I call it peanuts. So let us treat
problem. So I would agree with the them with dignity, humanity and same
Committee for their request that more treatment should also apply to the
funds be allocated and that there should prisoners in our country.
be some holding cells that are going to
be for juveniles, some for women and Having said that Comrade Chairman,
others for not so hardcore and others for Honourable members, I support
hardcore criminals. wholeheartedly the report and the
recommendations by the Committee and
The issue of mortuary is also a problem. once again I wish them well and hope
There are no medical doctors that they will be able to go to other
permanently assigned to perform post- regions as far as money will allow them
mortem examination on corps while at in order for them to even come out with
the Impalila clinic there is also no doctor more recommendations.
to conduct examination for a sole case.
In Otjiwarongo it has exceptional I also hope that the recommendations
situation that needed some highlights. that are made are taken by our media
Crime is on the increase, there are no because our media also discriminates
cars for police to go out. It is very against the National Council Comrade
difficult. Chairman, Honourable members, and
very good recommendations that were
Sometimes they do not even have made even during the Votes. During the
stationery in some of the police stations. budget discussion when I was chairing, I
These are basic things and this is what have not seen anything in the
the report indicates. I am happy that the newspapers. I have seen something on
Committee have gone through all the NBC TV. Luckily people can’t say ``she
details and came up with very good wants to be in the media`` because I am
recommendations. Regarding the not the one who spoke but I am the one
rehabilitation centres which I just spoke that observed and listened carefully.
about need urgent attention, I hope that What the media does is that sometimes if
issues like at the Katwitwi border post somebody says something good they
were officers are sleeping in tents and will pick one, two, three, people and
drink un-purified water from the river leave the fourth person out but all have
will be attended too. What do we contributed. But all in all, I have not
expect? Are these people not human seen any of the good recommendations
beings? Why should they drink un- and I have stressed it the first day
purified water? Do we want them to get Comrade Chairman that since our House
197
only have three Deputy Ministers and we was the order of the day. Any further
do not have Honourable Ministers in our business? None. Honourable Hakaye
house, they do not listen and I said you may take the floor and adjourned the
accept for the National Planning House.
Commission who send their people.
They do not listen to these MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much.
recommendations and sometimes these Comrade Chairman in the absence of
recommendations are sent and shared any further discussion this august House
somewhere. stands adjourned until tomorrow
morning 09:30.
We are the House of review. These
members in this august House represent CHAIRMAN: Who seconds? Any
the people who elected them and the objection? Agreed to. The House stands
people are speaking through all of us in adjourned until tomorrow 09:30 sharp.
this august House and what people are
saying in this august House is not what COUNCIL ADJOURNED
Magreth Mensah-William is saying or
what Asser Kapere is saying or what
Hakaye is saying or what Kavetu is
saying. It is what the people in our
constituencies demand from us to say
and therefore the message should be
clear and loud. We are not rubberstamps
and we are not going to allow our people
to be taken for granted.
Thank you very much and I hope we will
all a dose the Committees report.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much.
Any further contribution? Honourable
Shangheta.
MR. SHANGHETA: Comrade
Chairman thank you very much, I do not
want to delay the passing of this report.
Since we received the report today and
being a commander above all
commanders of this House, I want to
refer this debate for tomorrow with the
concurrence of the House.
CHAIRMAN: Who seconds the
Commander? Any objection? Agreed to.
The debate is then postponed until
tomorrow. Honourable members that
198
COUNCIL CHAMBER bring about equity to address the rural-
urban division and to address poverty
WINDHOEK and underdevelopment in the rural areas
24 MAY 2006 where the majority of our people resides.
The Council met pursuant to Honourable Chairman, it is in this
adjournment. context that I would like to see that
The Chairman took the Chair. adequate resources are provided for, to
Prayers and Affirmation. address the provision of clean water in
rural areas; the provision of educational
CHAIRMAN: Good morning and health facilities; the construction of
Honourable members. This morning we markets to enable the producers to sell
are blessed with the presence of the the agricultural products. The provision
Delta Secondary School learners and of electricity and road networks
teachers. You are welcome. Are there especially in the inland to link up the
any petitions? Any reports of Select farmers with the markets and facilitate
Committees? Any reports and papers? easy access to Government institutions.
Any notices of motions? The Secretary
will read the first order of the day. We cannot address poverty and
underdevelopment if the developments
FIRST ORDER READ: are only taking place in urban centres.
The provision of water and electricity in
SECRETARY: Debate on Third rural areas for example would lessen the
Reading – Appropriation Bill [B.2 – burden on women and girls to fetch
2006]. water and to collect firewood, and
enable them to spend more time on
CHAIRMAN: Any discussion? educational activities and other
Honourable Karupu you may take the economic activities. This in my view; is
floor. a major development if it could
materialize. We also need to diversify
MR. KARUPU: Thank you Honourable our educational system by creating more
Chairman, Honourable members, my vocational centres in the country. This
intervention today is aimed at would enable learners to acquire
highlighting some aspects, which the practical skills that are required by the
future budget should address in a economy and also enhance human
strategic manner. Poverty and resources development in the country.
underdevelopment are the major issues
that affect the majority of the Namibian The last point that I would touch on is
people. It is against this background that the budget allocated to the National
the future budget should adequately and Council. I agree with the comments
strategically address issues of poverty which were made by other Honourable
and under development, especially in the members. We should avoid creating
rural areas if our democracy is to be institutions and disable them to carry out
sustained. We need to address human their mandates by under funding them.
resources and infrastructural The Chairperson of the National Council
development in rural areas in order to should therefore take up this matter
199
seriously with the Prime Minister and the Central Government so that the
the Minister of Finance. I thank you. money allocated to the regions should be
specifically for what the region has
CHAIRMAN: Next to take the floor is budgeted for. The issue of defending the
Honourable Mwilima. budget in the line Ministry (here I am
talking about the Local Government
MR. MWILIMA: Comrade Chairman, Regional and Rural Development, our
Honourable members of the House of line Ministry), in the Ministry concern I
Review. I rise to air my views on the feel that the Regional Council should be
Appropriation Bill of the year 2006/07. given the opportunity to come and
Let me thank you Honourable members defend their budgets not only sending in
for the manner in which we have civil servants. I also feel that Regional
conducted our debates in this august Councillors should come up and defend
House. I believe we have done justice to their budget instead of only sending the
the nation. It is also my humble opinion Chief Executive Officers or maybe
that the issues we have raised in this Directors. We need to be involved so
House should be taken to the relevant that we can also come and defend our
authorities, the line Ministries for budgets in our constituencies.
consideration. Hence as people’s
representatives I believe we have been The process of decentralization, I would
advocating as needed at the grassroots say is moving very slow. One wonders
level. What is important now is for the whether other Ministries are really in for
activities to be put in place for the decentralization or what is happening
people to see the results that are being because others do not seem to like to
said here. decentralize many of these services.
There are other Ministries of course who
Comrade Chairman, Honourable are trying hard in the process of
members, the current prevailing situation decentralization, but I think the process
in our local authorities cannot be is slow.
ignored. We hardly take a day without
learning of a conflict in certain local Comrade Chairman, Honourable
authorities, be it between the members, the recent report in our print
communities and local councillors or media especially the Windhoek
either the Councillors and the Chief Observer, several insults have been
Executive Officers. This has even gone levelled against the Founding President
to the regional level. We need to address and the Father of the Nation the
these issues and everyone involved President of the Swapo Party cannot be
should know their roles. tolerated. I would feel that the media
freedom we have is at stake. Because, I
Comrade Chairman, Honourable am concerned about the so called
members, the issue of budget allocation freedom of speech in this country as
to the regions need to be readdressed. As much as I believe in this freedom, there
a second layer of Government, people are limits in any freedom you have. As a
are looking upon us for service delivery young person and a disciplined cater I
in our regions. The projects which are couldn’t keep quiet while such activities
national priorities should be funded from are happening among us. We need all
200
peace loving Namibians irrespective of education and communication for the
your political affiliation. I feel we are rural community. Unemployment rate is
not happy with what is happening and I 34 per cent and many villages do not
would call that such people or the Editor have access to electricity, clean water
of this news paper should come out and and sanitation. Therefore, this budget is
apologize to the Namibian people. a good step in the right direction.
It is very humiliating at the time when Comrade Chairman, Honourable
we freed the Republic through our blood members, as this budget caters for the
under the leadership of the Founding poor, the poor people do not have access
President Comrade Nujoma, the policy to banking facilities. They do not have
of national reconciliation should not be access to bank loans, adequate training
seen as a failure, but it was brought in so or market. The Namibian Commercial
that we can continue with development, Banking system is not designed for the
peace and stability in the Republic. This poor or development. These banks
cannot be compromised. provide loans to buy cars or electronic
equipment for middle or high income
With these few words, I thank you very groups who enjoys fix income and other
much. assets. Therefore, our Government
should establish a network of people’s
CHAIRMAN: Thank you Honourable bank to provide low interest loans for
Mwilima. Next to take the floor is grassroots level entrepreneur.
Honourable Diergaardt.
With these few words, I support the Bill
MR. DIERGAARDT: Thank you and I thank you.
Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members, I would once again thank the CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much.
Finance Minister and her team for a job Honourable Sibiya you may take the
well done. The budget of 2006/07 floor.
Financial Year will put the poor first.
This is a good step to meet our target for MS SIBIYA: Thank you Comrade
Vision 2030. The reason for poverty in Chairman, Honourable members of this
this country is because there is little august House for the opportunity
manufacturing growth to absorb labour. afforded upon me to contribute to the
Around 70 per cent of our population debate under discussion. I want to give a
live in rural areas. Namibia’s current little information on Khomas region as
economic growth rate is nearly 4 per always in some regions. Problems
cent and it is inadequate to realize the became a threat to the human
target of Vision 2030. Therefore, it is development and local economic
necessary to promote the export on development to some citizens.
orientated high-tech industries and
efficient service sector to search the The land allocation and the availability
National GDP and provide the of land to the community to start
employment for the rural/urban masses. projects for self support and secure
The plan of action should be tailored to property is very worrisome. Due to the
provide food, shelter, medication, rapid growth of the population and the
201
influx of people to the city, most of the living in an unhygienic situation. Our
residents find themselves without people need better support to improve
shelter. At the end of the day they are their living conditions as they do not
forced to settle themselves and put have abolition facilities. If nature is
somewhere shacks to make a living. calling they are making use of the
Khomas region occupies a space of 36 bushes. This is unfair and prompt action
805 square kilometres with an estimate is needed to address this issue. In some
population of nearly more than 300 000 settlements people are providing with
people at the latest census. Erf number but no electricity. This
leaves an alternative of people using
My question here is who is occupying candles. Incidents of shacks catching fire
this land? Should the Namibian citizens easily are often reported with loss of
after sixteen years of independence still lives and properties and then the
float around struggling without a secure Government bagged again to assist. The
property? The erfs are so expensive that absence of street lights also contributes
the ordinary person cannot even afford to the fact that criminals conduct their
to buy. Why? Those who settle evil activities.
themselves somewhere are moved to
another area after few years to start from The Ministry of Regional and Local
scratch again. Since 1992 people of Government and Housing and Rural
Freedomland, Ombili etc. keep on Development is having a programme
moving as they are always told that the aiming to design the network for
land is already bought for private use. In servicing of settlement areas in some
Khomas region we also have urban poor. regions whereby Khomas region is one
We must not think that because you are of those regions to provide the necessary
living in Khomas and you are in the support to their needy towns and
urban area you are rich. There are urban villages. Therefore the Ministry in
poor. They need to be considered. consultation with the City of Windhoek
should seriously look into the matter to
The City of Windhoek is more in enable land for the landless. We cannot
business forgetting that the land is the proceed with the current trend in an
fruit of the independence that any independent Namibia. We need a happy
Namibian even the poorest of the poor and a healthier nation free from
would like to have a piece of land unnecessary diseases that can be
especially for the community prevented.
development. If people do not have land
to establish community projects to start Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
producing their own products and create members of this august House, I hereby
jobs for themselves to reduce poverty, want to extend my gratitude to the
what economic development are we Spanish Embassy for availing the
talking about? Spanish cooperation in collaboration
with the Housing Action Group and
The City of Windhoek is recognized Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia
around the continent if not in the whole for providing shelter to the Okahandja
world as the cleanest city forgetting that community in Okuryangava and also
the people in the informal settlement are somewhere in Otjomuise. At least 55
202
houses were built at the cost of N$150 Health, by then it was not UNAM. In the
000 and handed over last Saturday, 20 case of UNAM there is nothing the
May 2006. The erwen where bought Ministry of Health can do. So, this
from the City of Windhoek at last. The intake is done by UNAM, the fund is
community made bricks themselves and secured by the Ministry of Health
contributed to the labour during the through student loans. The Ministry of
construction process as some of them are Health is just invited at the fourth year
trained builders or constructors. The first when the student is coming up in their
ninety five houses were handed over last final year. This is to inform them about
year also by the same company. Thank the vacant positions in the thirteen
you out there to the community. Keep up regions within the country. During the
the excellent job. This is a good placement, the priority is given to the
initiative to meet the Government rural areas and this is done at one focal
halfway and not always as they are point which is at national level here at
saying on the National Chat Show the Head Office to facilitate the issue
“epangelo naliningeposha” the better. The interested nurses, those who
Government must do something. At least are interested to take up services with
you have shown your initiative and the Government get the posts and go to
commitment. The Ministry of Regional those areas which was shown to them
and Local Government and Housing and and those who are not interested at the
Rural Development must assist the end of the day decide to go to private
community in these types of initiatives sectors, because the private sector secure
to ensure that land or erwen are their funding back to the Ministry of
affordable to the urban poor. Education.
Furthermore, Honourable Chairperson, That is just in short. So, if the nurses do
the next input is on the Ministry of not want to go to the remote areas or
Health concerning the intake to UNAM there is vacant post, there is nothing
and enrolled nurses to National Health which bound the Ministry to force them
Training Centre. I think there is a to go unless the agreement is to be put in
misunderstanding when it comes to the place to bound these nurses. It is
recruitment of students to be trained at furthermore recommended that the
UNAM. The Ministry of Health is not Ministry of Education and Public
involved in the selection or recruitment Service Commission and the Prime
of the students. They apply directly to Minister’s office need to come together
UNAM and the selection is done under to agree on the measures to be put in
the supervision of UNAM with the place to secure that the Government
certain criteria which is placed. This is a benefit in return for the support provided
four-year training, because if you are during the officials who are [indistinct]
taking an advance training then it is at they needed qualifications.
UNAM, it is a four-year training. These
students are getting a loan from the When it comes to the enrolled nurses,
Ministry of Education but not from the those are getting training by the Ministry
Ministry of Health. Previously those old of Health at the National Health Training
cadres who were trained were trained Centre. The Ministry is having a training
under the budget within the Ministry of centre which is here in Khomas region
203
and then four branches countrywide. The completed their training, they came from
one branch is in Rundu which is Omaheke region and from Eiseb Bock. It
Kavango region in the far North East, is a very far place from Gobabis. So
and then one is in Oshakati (Oshana these nurses were nominated by their
region) which is North West and then community to enable them to go back
Otjiwarongo in Otjozondjupa region after the training. So, what happened
which is central and then was, they never went back because life
Kheetmanshoop in Karas region which in Windhoek is nice with all the night
is in the South. clubs and nice things and so on. They
refused. They are roaming around here;
I just wanted to make it clear for the the Ministry of Health can’t do anything.
concerns. The centres caters to train People are looking for jobs somewhere
enrolled nurses in other categories like else. That is the problem that the
pharmacy assistants, occupational health Ministry of Health is encountering and
assistant, radiography assistants, these we have to bear with them. At one hand
are also given a small grant from the we must know that we are having Vision
Ministry of Education. That includes the 2030 to make it a reality. How are we
enrolled nurses. After the enrolled nurses going to make the Vision 2030 a reality?
are trained in primary health care and This is not patriotism. We need to
then to address the minor elements and change our behaviour to enable
also the normal emergency deliveries, economic development of our
but it is complicated because if the time community and also for good health
is due they have to refer the pregnant status.
mothers to the nearest hospitals to avoid
complications. Doctors’ visit to the It is recommended that the Ministry of
centre is done on a monthly basis. The Health and the Regional Councillors put
people to be trained as enrolled nurses strict measures in place which will bind
currently are school leavers from the the enrolled nurse to work for the
region. This is the information coming Government for the agreed period. A
and it is where the involvement of the contract needs to be signed before the
community at the constituency level is commencing of the training so that
required to nominate an interested necessary action can be taken against the
person from their area to secure that the culprits.
person will come back after two years of
training to work at a specific health Honourable Chairperson, Honourable
facility. This effort should come from members, the issue I want to talk about
the community so that at the end of the here is the HIV/Aids pandemic in our
day they will also be able to support the country. This disease is life threatening
Government whenever a person refuses and we need to combat it by all means.
to go back as initially agreed upon. The Ministry of Health so far is doing
good because they are having treatment
I have a life example. Whenever people in almost all the health facilities and
are talking about the Ministry of Health, guidelines are in place to be followed
I am sort of having a place for the and one of the guidelines is NDP-3
Ministry of Health. Last year three which is sort of technical by the absence
enrolled nurses were trained and they of the policy is still a major concern. The
204
policy is still on a draft form as from last time I attended their activities was a
year July 2005, I think this is high time workshop at Safari Hotel. These type of
for the policy to be finalized so that we issues need to be addressed to ensure
can have a document in place to refer to. that the two Houses are on the same
I think this is very important and the level where it is necessary.
Ministry need to look into this matter for
the finalization of the document. With these few remarks, Honourable
Chairperson, Honourable members, I
Furthermore, I also want to contribute on thank you.
the issue of the Standing Committee
clerks of the National Council. The CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
clerks are attending to more than one Honourable Sibiya. Honourable Nhinda
committee, they have other you may take the floor.
responsibilities while National Assembly
committees are served by three staff MS NHINDA: Comrade Chairman,
members which is the Principal Clerk, Honourable members, the budget is
the Senior Assistant. How is this practice gone, but allow me to say something on
fair? These two Houses should be treated the issues that our Government needs to
equally so that we can see that we are at closely look into. This year was a year of
the same level. The other issue I want to rain. Floods were all over the country.
know is the criteria which are used to Farms, mahangu fields were destroyed
allocate the staff. and this affected a lot of our people.
Many of our community members are
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable still in need of relief food. The
members, I would like also to thank our Government need to help its people
Secretary Ms Shimutwikeni for regarding this matter.
allocating us as Councillors to join the
National Assembly SADC Parliamentary The Ministry of Home Affairs did a lot.
Form on HIV/Aids outreach services. Thank you for the improvement of the
The information was good and we duration of passports and other relevant
benefited somehow but this was just to identity documents. There is still an
accompany the MPs from the National issue of misspelling names on IDs and
Assembly in such a very important birth certificates many times if not
project. The point here, such joint always. The mistakes are done by staff
activities time and again are coming up members. The responsibility is put on
and we are always asked to join these the owner where she/he has to pay N$30
people so that we can fill up the number. to have it rectified. That is a lot of
At yesterday’s visit specifically I would money especially when the mistakes are
make out, I don’t know about my not from the owner of the documents.
colleagues, but we could make out that Perhaps people dealing with these
we are not at the same level of documents should first proof read them
understanding because the other people before they are issued to the owners just
were up to standard with the information in order to avoid these irrelevant fees; or,
but we were left out. I remember that I can I perhaps suggest a reduction in the
am one member of the Sub Committee fee so that this service is made
of the National Assembly, but the last affordable to the affected party.
205
UNAM with the aim to assist them to
Having the right documentation is very qualify for loans.
important and that is why it is vital that
the names are correct because at times Many schools need computers,
one is accused of forging or delaying in laboratories and libraries.
processing something that requires such
a document. To get new, it is also taking Comrades, we need learners at an
a lot of problems for citizens who have Internet Café in the regions accessible to
documents which got burned or are lost. the public. Ohangwena region is very far
behind in terms of technology. Still
I know it needs a careful investigation to tackling on the education issue, the
verify whether such a document is really Minister has set up a code for school
lost or burned. I would like to make a development punishment which should
suggestion to the Ministry of Home not exceed N$500.00, regardless of all
Affairs to be advised accordingly when that, schools have hard months. If it
they come for assistance. That way of doesn’t have school uniform for winter
standing in the queue for the whole day and summer or even sport clothes, the
for these people and then at the later child is looked at with big eyes by either
stage be told that their IDs are not yet fellow students or by teachers and some
ready should be avoided. This can be times is forced to leave schools until all
done internally within a region. that is fulfilled. Our citizens are
unemployed. Not everyone can afford all
Some of the schools in certain regions of these. I am requesting our schools
are well equipped hence the passing board members especially for boarding
rates of those regions are higher than schools to consider poor people when
others. Like in Ohangwena region some planning for their schools.
schools are still lacking tables, chairs,
text books and exercise books. Parents Comrade Chairman, Honourable
are now told to buy books for their members, we do have mentally disturbed
children. Truly speaking, some parents people, people who are suffering down-
cannot afford this. They have immediate syndrome diseases. These people have
and extended families to support. I increased in our society. They neither go
appeal to the Ministry to try and find to day schools nor to hearing-impaired
materials for these learners to enable or to schools for the blind like in
them to go on with their education. Ongwediva. They have nowhere to go.
Learners are also still taught under tree They are just there. We have neglected
shades, and during winter this can be them. Some can do something on their
very unhealthy. It is also getting windy own either cultivating fields or gardens
in summer times. or handcraft. How does the Ministry of
Gender Equality and Child Welfare
The Ministry of Education in think about them? Apart from that we
collaboration with the Regional also have the physical disabled children.
Authorities must compile a list of Grade Parents cannot afford wheel chairs. How
12s especially those who got many can the Ministry help in this regard?
points and qualify for admission to Orphans are given food and blankets.
206
What about these brothers and sisters, place becomes a zoo park. It would be a
daughters and sons. great joy if the Ministry of Labour,
Environment and Forestry consider this
Comrade Chairman, Honourable place.
members, Ongha clinic is now a health
centre as well as Omboloka clinic is now Comrade Chairman, Honourable
functioning. Thank you very much for members, boreholes are needed at
all that. But there are still people who Ongalangobe, Oshakati shaKatelenge,
struggling at Omundaungilo, Okongo Ombumbu and Oshamambo. There is
and Epembe. Clinics are still needed at not even a tap water in Omundaungilo
Oluwaya, Onamafila and Omauni, deep constituency. The affected Ministry
in the forest. Thank you also for an should take this issue very seriously.
additional ward completed at Eenhana
hospital. This will serve people long Comrade Chairman, Honourable
distance to work. The ward is still not in members of this august House, the road
use because there is a shortage of staff at called Okatana-Endola, Onuno/Engela
the hospital. I am humbly requesting the was supposed to be constructed since
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to 2000. Please look into this for this road
find even one nurse in order for the ward need to be constructed as soon as
to be in use. There is a need of new possible. Also the road from Oshakati to
established places for elderly at the Omungwelume via Ongenga to Engela
following places: hospital needs to be upgraded.
Ohangwena region is having many
1. Ondjadjaxui; Oshanas. During the rainy season it is
2. Olukula; hard for people to move from place to
3. Efinde; and place due to water. We need gravel roads
4. Omauni. to enable school children, teachers and
elderly/old people to move around.
Comrade Chairman, Honourable These are roads cleared many years ago
members, by mentioning these few like in Okongo area to specific. There is
places in the region is because our senior also a new one which is now cleared,
citizens and physically disabled people that is the road from Okakwa via
are walking long distances. Some are Onekwaya West, Oshawapala to Endola.
transported in wheelbarrows in order to This is just for your information. But
reach places to get their pensions. still these roads are not gravel. These are
the type of things that disappointed the
I am appealing to the Ministry of Labour community.
to look into this matter and to speed up
the suggested place in all regions. When Comrade Chairman, Honourable
are places for elderly people supposed to members, Eenhana hospital used to
be established? In Okongo area there is a transfer sick people to Onandjokwe with
place called Ondjingida. This place is a distance of only 46 kilometres from
very good for animal projects such as Eenhana straight to Onandjokwe but the
kudus, elands, giraffes and other road is very bad for human beings
animals. Ohangwena region and the especially those who are seriously sick
surrounded places can benefit a lot if this or have maternity implications. To safe
207
some of these lives the ambulance use a the intakes should be increased from two
far road from Eenhana to Oluno via to six at constituency level if possible.
Ondangwa to Onandjokwe which is 194 Suggestions are that the Ministry should
kilometres. construct youth centres at constituency
levels and increase skill training
I am appealing to the Ministry of Works, institutions in all 13 regions for example
Transport and Communication to take up the course desk which is now only at
this issue. Roads are still needed in Ondangwa.
Ohangwena region and from Rundu to
Okongo, Oshikango/ Ondobe to About the Electoral Commission, I
Onamunama via Omungholyo to would like to suggest that the
Oshandi, and this one of Okongo information of recruitment should be put
Casablanca. in writing and be sent to Regional
Council so that they can disseminate it to
Comrade Chairman, Honourable the constituency offices in order to reach
members, Eenhana Town Council has no all people at grassroots levels.
lodge or any luxury place where
Government VIPs can be housed. We Comrade Chairman, Honourable
need a State house in Eenhana town and members, land is an important property
this is an urgent matter for VIPs. to every citizen. To compensate the
Furthermore, let me thank in advance the owner of the land is a very good idea. It
responsible Ministry for the Indanguku, is against my mind for the Government
Onambutu water pipeline which is now which takes land from institutions who
under construction. Thank you very owned land before independence without
much. compensating them. Examples of such
institutions are churches. The
Coming to the Ministry of Youth, municipality is just taking the land and
National Services Sport and Culture, I still asking the church to pay for the rest.
would like to thank them for the The selling of land to foreigners is also
Eenhana Youth Centre. Thank you very not good. If this is continuing, there will
much for that. What I am worried about, be no land for our children. Where do
are the youth trained at Ohongo and we expect them to stay or live? Our
Neudamm who are still housed since children will end up being slaves of
their training and are doing nothing. It those foreigners because they will have
will be nice if the Ministry can find them no place to stay. Only foreigners will
nice places for green scheme pastures to own land in towns if we are not careful
grow fruits and vegetables. The and will be poor for ever.
production from this will supply the
nation at large. In that way we will no Comrade Chairman, Honourable
longer have to import fruits from abroad members, I know that the Government
or from regions. There is a general cannot provide jobs for everyone as
complaint from members of the National there is no money to sustain that and that
Service Scheme that the recruitment into is why there is an excuse that foreigners
the Government Security Agencies are are the ones that provide jobs. I am not
not taken into account who came first in saying that foreigners should not come
the National Service. Current numbers of into the country, but there should be a
208
law that protect citizens to have land and million dollars for next year and the
not have it sold away. What are we following year respectively.
supposed to do? I have the following
suggestions: Like I said earlier, the Kavango
Regional Council is very much thankful
1. The Government can built to the Government, especially His
houses and then foreigners Excellency Comrade Hifikepunye
can rent them out; Pohamba, the Minister of Finance;
2. The foreigners can be given a Minister of Works, Transport and
place to build their houses Communication for having finally made
and we give them a certain funds available for the construction of
period of years to rent it out this road. The construction of this road is
without paying and then later also in line with the Swapo Party
they can start paying; Election Manifesto of 2004. In terms of
3. Government can give loans to that Manifesto, a total of 294 kilometres
Namibians to build houses of road are to be constructed by labour-
for renting and then they can based methods at an estimated cost of
play back when they start N$102.6 million during the five year
renting the house out; period with the Nepara road based
4. The Government can put law project to be completed in the 2005/06
stating that foreigners can financial year. The other includes the
only built if they have Tondoro-Kamupulu road and Rupara-
ventures with Namibians. Muvene-Gcangu road. The Siko-
Nkurenkuru road is very important
Comrade Chairman, with these because it will link the Kavango region
provoking words, I thank you very to the Ohangwena region and the rest of
much. the North Central Regions. It will also
link the region to South West Angola
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much especially its Cuando-Cubango and
Honourable Nhinda. Honourable Kunene provinces. This is the reason we
Siwombe you may take the floor. I hope want this project to start as soon as
you will keep it short and sweet. possible. This road has been notorious
because it has claimed many lives over
MS SIWOMBE: Honourable Chairman, the years. The Kavango Regional
Honourable members, I rise to express a Council therefore sees that the tarring of
word of thanks and appreciation to our this road is a great relief to the people in
Swapo Government through its Ministry the western part of the Kavango region.
of Works, Transport and It could also serve as an engine for
Communication and that of Finance for economic development in that part of the
having allocated money to the region because commerce and trade in
construction of the Rundu-Siko- Western Kavango is not taking place as
Nkurenkuru main road. As the expected due to poor conditions of this
Honourable members are aware the road. Kurenkuru settlement could soon
following amount has been allocated: become a town if the road is completed.
N$107.5 million dollar this year and Once this actual construction starts the
N$93.875 million dollars and N$45 Kavango Regional Council would like to
209
see the line Ministry using labour base poor investigation done by the police.
methods so that local people could be Let us not blame them but rather supply
employed. them with resources such as transport
etc. Let us consider them; resources wise
Honourable Chairman, Honourable and salary wise; otherwise if they get
members, the other point I would like to corrupt than it will negatively affect us a
raise is on the Police. I want to thank the nation.
Chairman of the Standing Committee on
Foreign Affairs for the report that was Having said that, thank you very much
tabled yesterday. Really, it reflects the for your attention.
reality. I still rise to express a word of
thanks to the Chairman of that CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
committee because police are the keys to Honourable Siwombe. It is now time for
the lives of all people in our country. In a break. Would you like to indicate
terms of law enforcement wise, police continuation? Yes. So ordered.
are having functions which every citizen Honourable Ndjambula you may now
is entitled. Having stated these reasons, take the floor.
it has came into my mind that these
functions cannot be carried out or MR. NDJAMBULA: Thank you
executed as far as police work is Comrade Chairman, Honourable
concerned. Criminal cases reported members. Since we are hereby to say
against police members have become a bye to the long awaited National
great impact to our police officials. Appropriation Bill, one can also assume
that the song of no money being sang by
Suspension hearing of which a member the Accounting Officer and CEO is
supposed to face or whether he or she is something of the past.
to face, a direct suspension, is seriously
affecting such member’s image mostly if Comrade Chairman, Honourable
such a member is to be restated when his members, however, people’s
or her case is finalised. If other public expectations out there are very high.
servants in this country are not being People want to find out whether the
affected in such a way, it will be projects identified at constituency level
advisable for the Government to are included. They also need basic needs
consider that the Constitution Article such as provision of shelter, employment
12(1)(d) is clearly stating that “every opportunities, water, rural electricity,
person is presumed to be innocent until infrastructure such as roads, clinics,
proven guilty by a court of law, because schools and other amenities.
it will be unfair if such a member is
already facing physical punishment The point I would like to emphasis is
when he or she is not getting a full that, people do not eat statements or
salary.” Lapsing of insurances which are speeches but their livelihood depend
affecting such a member can still have a upon on the above stated needs. They
negative or a threat to the nation whereas expect us to deliver services. Therefore,
such member can join gangster or to this end it is always disappointing at
become a robber. Serious cases are being the end of the day because some of us
withdrawn or acquitted in court due to are being told there is no money or your
210
project is not viable or there is no were supposed to have started with
feedback at all. For a good working NDP-3 programme, but this is not the
relationship of coordination, consultation case because NDP-3 has not yet started.
and feedback between all stakeholders One wonders now as to how we are
should be improved for the betterment of operating. Are we operating in a vacuum
our people. or what? Can the Director General of
National Planning Commission explain?
Furthermore, as Regional Councillors
we must be efficient and effective in our Finally, I am disturbed and threatened by
dealings and know how to identify and unknown letters being written by writers
write project proposals. We need to be such as the True Namibian Daughter.
trained in the field of management. One wonders as to what this writer
wants to achieve in this country because
Comrade Chairman, Honourable our respective leaders especially the
members, it is high time that the Father of the Nation is being insulted,
National Planning Commission must humiliated like nobody’s business and
decentralize to the regions, and if need this is out of proportion Comrade
be at the constituency level. If all these Chairman. We know that there are many
are not possible the National Planning enemies to destroy and weakening
Commission must always undertake Swapo party but they are very late
project visit to all the 13 regions so as to because Swapo is the people and the
confirm and reaffirm the identified people are Swapo.
projects in order to avoid conflict of
interest and unnecessary To this end Comrade Chairman,
misunderstanding which will result in Honourable members, the Windhoek
frustrations and fighting between Observer newspaper should be held
councillors and others. responsible for all this nonsense and be
called to order. It should therefore call
Having said that, I am proposing for the its puppets to order to refrain and stop
budget preparation to start at least as this nonsense as a matter of urgency. To
early as possible, and by January, us as Namibian compatriots and
National Planning Commission must members of Swapo party we must
already produce the green book, the remain vigilant and double our efforts
book we were having here containing and be united as ever before, so as to
information from all the line Ministries fight such Neo Colonialism tendencies.
and so on. It will avoid much I thank you very much.
experienced delays in implementing
projects and the repeated notion of CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
returning money to treasury such as Honourable Ndjambula. To conclude,
N$40 million which was not spent in yes, the Commander will take the floor
2003/04 respectively from the and we will conclude with the last
development budget. persons.
On a serious note Comrade Chairman, MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
Honourable members, NDP-2 much Comrade Chairperson. I rise to
programme have ended. By now we contribute to this very important
211
Appropriation Bill which is seeking to
appropriate amount of money to meet 2. The Organisations Structure
the financial requirements of the State and Development:
during the Financial Year ending 31
March 2007. Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members, our current organisational
Comrade Chairman, Honourable structure has been over stressed during
members, as we are approaching the the past years. A need has arisen that the
final stage of the passing this important structure of review in light of growing of
Appropriation Bill in this august House, emergency issues. This includes creation
I would fail in my duty if I do not of critical technical position as well as
comment to this Bill at its Third establishment of permanent Electoral
Reading. Therefore, permit me to Commission of Namibia regional offices
mention some of the pertinent issues that and permanent staff for those offices.
were not touched during the preparation
in the Second Reading as well as the 3. Review of the Electoral
Committee Stage of the whole House. Commission:
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Another noble element that is critically
members, the Electoral Commission of under the leadership of the Commission
Namibia due to the financial constraints, is the present status of the Electoral Act
what Namibia as a State is facing the and the whole electoral operations. Past
Electoral Commission of Namibia is no experiences had made Electoral
exception and is facing difficulties in Commission management to realize a
carrying out its mandatory obligations. A need for review and overhaul of the
total of N$8 807 000 has been allocated entire Electoral Act to cater for a
to the Electoral Commission of Namibia structural and special dynamic change.
for consideration and the approval by Instead, supplementary registration of
Parliament. The above amount is broken voters immediately before elections of
down into core programmes. whatever category is the only activity
catering those that were not registered
Holding of Elections – N$5 200 500; during the general elections of voters.
Voters Education Programme – N$3 This activity lasts for two weeks only
606 500. and those that are not available that time
could not register for whatever reason
1. The Programme holding of and were disadvantaged and also denied
elections includes: their civil right to participate.
- By-elections - N$3 103 000; 4. Holding of Local Authority
- Continuous registration of voters Election in 2006
– N$840 000;
- Update of voters registration - Electoral Commission received
N$740 000; information from the Ministry of
- Computerization of Electoral Regional, Local Government and Rural
Commission Logistics – N$608 000. Development that seven settlements are
212
going to be proclaimed local authority mention some of the pertinent issues and
areas: this what I am trying to do.
a) Oranjemund Comrade Chairman, on Education Vote;
b) Rosh Pinah elections are held for voters to pick their
c) Otjinene representatives. Voters are targeted in
d) Omuthiyagwiipundi the electoral campaigns as parties and
e) Nkurenkuru candidates try to win their support and
f) Divundu and the votes on Election Day. Effective, fair
g) Bukalo and knowledgeable participation by
voters is an essential part of election
Elections for those Local Authority integrity. A democratic, free, fair,
Councils are obviously to be held. In transparent and competitive electoral
addition by elections are never planned system should have an enlightened
and can be expected any time. citizen at its heart.
5. Vote of Education 6. Human Resources:
CHAIRMAN: On a point of order. Electoral Commission wishes to review
development.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: I am sorry
Comrade Chairman, on a point of order I CHAIRMAN: Honourable member, are
wish to draw the attention to Rule 42 you taking note of the previous advice
which says that member may not be given please?
interrupted unless to call a point of order
or question of privilege. Now my MR. SHANGHETA: Yes, Comrade
question of privilege is: are these issues Chairman. The introduction of electronic
not supposed to be discussed during the voters register was an achievement. The
committee stage? I know that the Third aim of Electoral Commission is not to be
Reading is not really to go Vote by Vote. static with development but to continue
Honourable members yesterday when I building on success. In that light the
presided, there was the Electoral secretariat is exploring possibility of
Commission Vote and nobody spoke on introducing an electoral voter’s machine
that Vote. So, I am surprised that that will be used in elections.
Honourable members who are old in this
House will take the floor today and 7. The Challenge Faced by
speak on each and every Vote. I think Electoral Commission
they are out of order Comrade
Chairman. The biggest challenge Electoral
Commission is facing is with the ever
CHAIRMAN: Honourable members insufficient funds allocated to plan
please continue but take that advice. activities. The budget allocated to this
Electoral is insufficient.
MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
much Comrade Chairman. I think first I Comrade Chairman, Honourable
said, I will fail in my duty if I didn’t members, one of my concerns I would
213
also like to raise is of the office of the the Auditor General stressed the need for
Auditor General. The office of the an internal auditors and audit
Auditor General is responsible for committees in Government institutions. I
auditing the Government Ministries and support those ideas, but for this office to
offices which are represented in about 30 be able to monitor and advise timely it
Votes. The total budget of the needs capacity and you can only work
Government to be audited is about N$14 effectively if you have office space. In
billion. The office should audit about comparison to the under spending on
115 accounts which include capital projects, I believe that this under
municipalities, town councils, village spending can be reduced if this money
councils and regional councils and some could have been allocated to the Auditor
parastatals. The office also carries out General’s budget.
several inspection and investigations as
well as performance auditing. Although Comrade Chairman, Honourable
the office has also been using the service members, one of the issues in the
of private auditing, it need financial Ministries which are organizing
support to erect its own building or land workshops and seminars at regional
for a space in order to fill 25 vacancies level is that they should budget for their
on its establishment. workshops conducted at regional levels
and invite people to the meetings at
Comrade Chairman, Honourable regional levels. These people are
members, I understand that about five attending workshops at the expense of
Government houses were demolished to the Regional Councils.
create office space for the office of the
Auditor General in Robert Mugabe Comrade Chairman, Honourable
Avenue. This plot is not yet developed members, I also want to say something
although the value of about N$1.5 which some of my colleagues have
million has already been invested in this commented on before. I would like to
project through the survey, designing, remind the Namibian people that the
drawing and feasibility study. Swapo party which took up arms against
Furthermore the cost of renting has been the racist regime of the minority whites
about N$15 000 per month for the past of South Africa believed all along that
fifteen years. Through a public, private, the struggle would be longer and bitter
partnership this amount will be enough and many lives would be lost. That is
to provide office space for twenty-five exactly what happened. We knew all
UNAM students, Polytechnic, along that the enemy would not just give
International Management University up voluntarily. This is history which no
and other Tertiary Institutions. one would change. Hence, my words
should not be interpreted as those which
Comrade Chairman, Honourable are against the policy of National
members, in this regard I propose that in Reconciliation. Now Namibia is
the next year’s budget, a capital budget independent and those who laughed at us
is provided to the office of the Auditor when we took up arms are now sitting
General to build its own office. In his with us. We welcome them because they
address of Anti-Corruption of Good are Namibians who were confused by
Governance Conference in Windhoek, then our enemies. I want to give this
214
opportunity to give a warning to the fact
that we are now independent and We know that the imperialists were
independence does not mean that never happy to see a country like Ghana
imperialists and their collaborators have being led by the true son of Africa Dr
given up their attempts of colonising us Nkrumah neither would be they happy to
through other means. They are now see a stable Namibia hence they are
using sophisticated methods or wording using lecture journalists to do their dirty
a psychological move here by confusing work. But I also want to use this
our people. They do this under the case opportunity to thank our progressive
of democracy. journalists who are [indistinct]. Keep up
with the good work. Long live our
Comrade Chairman, Honourable progressive journalists. Down lecture
members, everybody read in newspapers journalists [laugher]. Long live the
about how bad our leaders are. This is Republic of Namibia. Long live Africa. I
purposely being done in order for the thank you.
Namibian people to lose confidence in
our leaders who have done a lot to bring CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much
about freedom and independence in this Honourable Shangheta. Honourable
country which we are enjoying today. Hakaye you may take the floor.
This dirty work of the imperialists is
done by using our own people to destroy MR. HAKAYE: Thank you very much
Swapo and the peace we are enjoying in Comrade Chairman, Honourable
order to instil their puppets. members of this august House. May I
equally make use of this opportunity to
Comrade Chairman, Honourable welcome our next MPs to their National
members, hence newspapers which are House, please learners feel at home, you
held back causing disunity in Namibia have ample time to observe your MPs. In
are many, but I want to particularly our case we never had such chances you
single out one; namely the “Windhoek have today. You are most welcome to
Observer”. Hans Smith, do not play with your own chamber.
us. Stop demonising our beloved
Founding Father President Doctor Sam Comrade Chairman, Honourable
Nujoma. Please do not disturb where members of the National Council, allow
there is peace. I hope Hans Smith will me to make of this rare opportunity as a
learn from this African proverb “if you member of the Review House of
dance on the back of a crocodile be Parliament of the Republic of Namibia
prepared when the music stop. I am not to exercise our constitutional and
here to state freedom speeches but to democratic right on behalf of our
advocate freedom of press with the electorates and the people of Namibia at
responsibility. In fact the media people large. Pass over to them through the line
are engaging in any honourable Ministries, Departments, Government
profession which is crucial to the Agencies the National Budget of N$13
development of Namibia but they should 677 120 000 for use to the best and
not dishonour themselves. They should interest of all our people for the financial
act effectively as they honour their year 2006/07.
profession.
215
During the budget circles through which Soon our country will run out of such
the budget passed although may not excuses. And now countries like the UK
answer all pertinent questions or queries, has more than enough piles of uranium,
at least the Government have something they may end up recommending for the
to present to the people of this country. closure of Rössing Mine, and what will
We do have a Namibian Government be the next.
Treasury Guiding Document (Compass)
through which public funds were going Other issues of national and regional
to be utilized. It is however worth interests are projects such as Tsumeb-
mention that there is still room for Oshikango railway; the construction of
improvement in our predatory system as new harbour at Cape Frio should be
we go along. One of this is that we need viewed as project of national pride and
to involve our national parliament at its not only that in Namibia, but as well as
own right in the budget preparation regional economic boosts and maybe as
circles. corner stone towards one Africa, thus
regional stakeholders can equally be
Comrade Chairman, we have in all our invited in these ventures.
Houses of Parliament what we call
Standing Committees on Rules and Again, Comrade Chairperson, I have
Orders; we again have committees on equally followed with keen interest of
Immunities and Privileges of Members the N$100 to be given to all unemployed
of Parliament. I believe these are more Namibians of 18 years of age.
than enough a platform available to us as
Parliamentarians. This I believe equally Comrade Chairman, we must be leaders
will be supported by the outspoken of vision. We plan national economy
Parliamentary Commission consisting of with open eyes, already the Namibian
among other the Accounting Officers of Government has embarked upon certain
the two Houses. In so doing Parliament projects that we as Namibians must
will influence the National Budget like recognize:
as it is the case in most democratic
countries. This will not only work in as - providing of anti-retroviral
far as allocation budget was concern, but treatment in order to better and
equally influence other votes as well. prolong lives of our people who
are infected by HIV/Aids
Comrade Chairman, Honourable pandemic;
members, National Council has among - Catering for thousands of
other things aired its views on quite a orphans throughout the country;
number of pertinent issues concerning - Paying pension to our senior
this year’s budget. Some of the issues citizens and social grants for
cannot go without emphasis put on them physical challenged citizens and
for further planning for example, orphans;
Namibian being a uranium producing - Exemption from tuition payment
country for more than thirty years half of and school fees to those learners
which is after independence may not be who cannot or whose parents
in future have some good excuses to rely cannot afford to cater for their
on foreign supply source of energy.
216
school commitments and so on, be declared persona non grata on the
just to mention a few. Namibian soil. After all, what brought
him here to the Namibian soil is no more
Now N$100 again Comrade Chairman, I being a former mercenary for South
think if some of our respected leaders African Defence Force.
were to run this country in the morning,
by sunset, all the Government coffers Again, Comrade Chairman, Honourable
will be dried up. Logically speaking, the members, if you have Swapo party
Namibian Government is trying within members or individuals or organized
its limits to address most of its imminent groups that feed Windhoek Observer
threats confronting our nation. with classified subversive information,
they too have declared themselves
Finally Comrade Chairman, allow me to persona non grata in the Swapo party
register my most disappointment as a regardless of position they occupy in
Namibian. In my entire political career I Swapo party. This is not a Swapo party
never experienced a political situation culture and tradition. We call upon the
like the one prevailing in our country Swapo party to organize an enlarged
today perpetuated by the evil forces, Swapo Party Central Committee to
spearheaded by the Editor-in-Chief of address this issue as a matter of urgency
the Windhoek Observer weekly news before the situation explodes.
paper. This newspaper has declared an
open war against the very foundation of Comrade Chairman, we cannot and will
the Namibian society. There is no logical no longer afford to tolerate this nonsense
or sound minded person who will ever that this news is coming up with and
understand the objectives and the aims feeding our nation including our young
of the paper, and if so, does this paper ones. If one needs to be a young, a true
really know and is aware of the daughter of our nation, I think he/she
consequences thereafter. As a Swapo should learn to respect elderly people. A
party member, I urge all Swapo party person in the name of Comrade Sam
members and its supporters, Shafiishuna Nujoma, the Founding
sympathisers and all peace loving Father of the Namibian Nation, the
Namibians to challenge Smith and his leader of the revolution that brought
news paper in a competent court of law independence to this country, even if he
to bring to light the true identities of the was not that at his age 77 years of age
Chrispine Kopano Matengu; the true deserve not these insults whatsoever and
daughter of the Namibian soil and many by whoever.
more others who abused his paper
although Hanes Smith does not see this Comrade Chairman, this is very serious
as a security threat. and if Swapo party is not acting I think
the writing on the wall is there and the
Comrade Chairman, Honourable situation is ripe for action against
members, it is well and good if Smith whoever is responsible for this ill-fated
does not provide the true identities of his subversive actions against the Namibian
source of information which he very society.
much enjoy with pleasure, Smith and his
newspaper must face the music. He must
217
With these few remarks Comrade in a competitive market and will loose
Chairman, Honourable members, I people. Even HIV/Aids is competing to
support the Appropriation Bill for the reduce the number of skilled human
Financial Year 2006/07 and I thank you. resources in our country.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much This gallant sons and daughters have
Honourable Hakaye. Honourable sometimes low self-esteem and are
Mensah-Williams you may now take the demoralized. Is this not why sometimes
floor. they become bezerk and shoot whoever
comes their way. We are so proud when
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Thank you these forces parade during
Comrade Chairman, Honourable independence. Let us make them proud
members of this House of Review. I rise to be the pride of our country. They
in support of Bill [B.2 – 2006] with don’t have vehicles to respond to
reservations. Allow me to highlight a complaints and to crime, they don’t have
few examples of why since as you are proper accommodation. The prisoners I
aware Honourable members, I am not spoke about yesterday also… We call
privileged like you to contribute during ourselves Christians 95 per cent in this
the different Votes since I chair the country. Where are our conscience when
Committee Stage. I have serious our prisoners are treated like sub-human,
reservations on allocation for our like General von Trotas used to treat us
security forces and I highlighted it as blacks (as sub-human)? That is why
yesterday during the report of Foreign people who were saying to farms, to
Affairs, Safety and Security. work as slaves who are oppressed by the
oppressors. They wore numbers around
The money is just not enough for them their necks and around the feed because
to ensure our safety and security in this they were not human beings, they had no
country. The salaries of these brave sons names because they were sub-human. Is
and daughters who are not entitled to this not the case with prisoners in this
over time and who work day and night, country, because we accord them with
weekends and holidays with meagre numbers? Is this not why they are also
salaries and then we want them to treated like sub-human. I repeat Article
perform. What encouragement do we 95(e) of our Constitution where it states
give them to perform? In management the promotion of the welfare of the
we are taught that we should motivate people: “The State shall actively
employees in order to perform better. promote and maintain the welfare of
There are even performance bonuses people by adopting inter-alia policies
paid so that people are performance aiming at”, and I will now just read the
driven. The Secretary of Cabinet Mr. portion that is having a relation on them,
Frans Kapofi did his Masters in Business “to ensure that every citizen has a right
Administration together with me and to a fair and reasonable access to public
others and I know he is well equipped facilities and services with in accordance
with very good skills to advice Cabinet with the law.” So, we are treating these
accordingly. Let us make our people in-human without dignity. Why
remuneration packages attractive to keep should they not receive these basic
skilled personnel in this country. We are services? These should be our mantra
218
every day that we are here to serve the least ten (10) years before the
people. These people have served their date of their election.”
sentences and punishments, why do we
want to inflict additional punishments So the constitution makes provision for
upon them and why when they come out us as members of Parliament to be
rehabilitated we don’t offer them a exonerated after ten (10) years. Why
second chance? We discriminate against don’t we in our country also make
them in all spheres. They cannot enjoy provision then for ordinary citizens to be
the constitutional provision that all exonerated from this crime after ten (10)
Namibians shall be equal in front of the years when we are free? That is my
law and shall be treated fairly and question.
equally. Why are we not treating them
equally and fairly after they served their Honourable members, we should be fair
sentences? Why are they still being in all instances. We should encourage
discriminated when they leave prison? them to stay crime free for the rest of
They are not free though they are their lives and we can move towards a
released. They are not accepted back crime free society. This is definitely not
into society to apply for any position or a deterrent not to commit another crime
job. They can’t apply for a weapon, they since these people feel useless in society.
can’t be members of boards, they can’t The humanity is trend upon. They are
be anything because this crime is seen as sub-human just as blacks were
attached to them for the rest of their treated by the oppressors. Are we busy
lives. So, why do we have stiffer with neo-colonialism? Some of these
sentences then if your entire life is still a crimes are petty crimes but still have to
sentence? Whey can’t they be pardoned carry the brand. Some of these juveniles
if they stayed without committing any are there because we the society have
crime for a maximum of 10 years. If we failed them. Some are street children and
look even in our Constitution when it lays their lives to the survival strategies
comes to the election of members of which they apply and make them to end
Parliament then it states under Article up in this. Equally we have commercial
47(a) A member of parliament: “No sex workers not because they enjoy
person may become members of the sleeping for money but because of
National Assembly if they: survival. What do “we” as leaders and
community do? We judge them instead
(a) any time after independence been of offering them alternatives. We have
convicted of any offence in meat in our fridges which dates back to
Namibia, or outside Namibia if last year as my priest Father Linus
such conduct would have always say and I agree with him. But we
constituted an offence within don’t share, we rather add.
Namibia, and for which they
have been sentenced to death or What will it do if each one of us use one
to imprisonment of more than spare packet of meat and give it to
twelve (12) months without the somebody who don’t have, or bread or
option of a fine, unless they have toothpaste or soap or sugar or maize
received a free pardon or unless meal or tinned food only once. I like the
such imprisonment has expired at poem of one of my mentors Reverend
219
Bishop Dr Zephania Kameeta, in his doesn’t make life easy but it makes it
book towards liberation crossing down possible.
this between church and politics and I
quote: “oppressed people come out of The issue of teachers is also very poor
the darkness of humiliation and proclaim since we have quality teachers but their
to the whole world the good news of salaries are very low. They are earning
your liberation call out with a loud voice peanuts. Why can’t we let them earn
and don’t allow yourselves to be forced monkey-nuts at least? These teachers are
into silence again. Tell those whom you demoralized. That is why many of us
have elected as leaders that they are in here are ex-teachers. We ran away
your service. Speak out and do not be because the salaries were too low. So we
afraid. Tell them and the whole world have to speak on behalf of those that
the deliberation is yours”. remained. We have this personal
experience otherwise we would not be
I agree and I am asking, I know there here, we would be at schools. We are
are few people who are doing it as here for the nation and the teachers are
leaders but I am calling because leaders part of the nation. The reason why we
are not only people in politics. Leaders are here is because we could not stay
are people leading any society, in church with those salaries. I challenge all of
groups, women groups, NGOs and you, ‘let’s leave the lob and go back, I
everywhere. So I am talking to all of us will not because the salary is too low’.
as a society. When are we going to They take care of our loving kids and lay
liberate our street children? When are we the foundation of education which is
going to liberate all our poor people? power. Let us also empower also.
Now you can say I am a preacher, yes, I Instead of fighting for better services and
like the Bible. I am guided by the Bible, benefits the NANTU Union became
Luke 4:18 – 19, 21 states “The spirit of politicians whose leadership also have
the Lord is on me because He has fights against each other rather than to
anointed me to preach good news to the fight against teachers. You teachers
poor. He has sent me to proclaim should fire them and replace them with
freedom for the prisoners and recovery teachers of vision with leaders who can
of sight for the blind. To release the lead you towards quality education for
oppressed and to proclaim the year of all. I am not campaigning for anybody. I
the Lord’s favour. Today this scripture is am saying this is news in the media that
fulfilled in your hearing.” they are fighting and this is why the
issues on the ground of education is not
This is our purpose as leaders, and if you addressed. So, it is not rumours. Why are
say you are not anointed as a priest, you you calling it rumours, are you on their
are lying because we are Christians and side maybe? Then I have a big problem.
when we are baptised we are anointed to I condemn the woman who killed her
go and preach the word of God. So, you three children in the North brutally as a
are anointed then don’t say you are not a mother.
priest. All of us are priests even if you
are politicians. We should free our MR. NDJAMBULA: Now you are
people from poverty, hunger and talking.
develop them. I know that purpose
220
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: I always today “pro-poor”. Why are your policies
speak sense unfortunately. So, how did not pro-poor? You are part of this
she as a mother get it over her heart, this Government. Let us not make as if we
heart under which for nine months those don’t have old and poor people. Let us
children were airing, breathing, she not forget that the day will come that we
could see their heart pumps under her all will be old. So, let us make sure that
heart. What made her to commit such a we are following what our Government
gruesome crime? Let her face the is leading us to do. Then let me come
consequences. I don’t condone such now to the hot potato, the last issue.
women. We always say that women are
defending women. No. We are The Media:
defending what is right and what is
wrong, that is why we condemn such In the “Namibia Review” on page 3, I
people like this woman. Also the boy see a beautiful smiling picture of the
that was killed by a youth gruesomely; three Swapo Presidential Candidates,
it’s unthinkable. The one was done by a former Foreign Affairs Minister (Hidipo
woman and the other one by a male Hamutenya), Higher Education, Training
youth. There is a difference. and Employment Creation Minister
(Nahas Angula) and then Lands,
This boy was gruesomely murdered. Can Resettlement and Rehabilitation Minister
you imagine? This guy was first playing (Hifikepunye Pohamba) holding hands
with him. What psychological trauma in unity at a party congress that saw the
did he undergo before he died because election of Pohamba as the sole Swapo
he thought all along this is his playmate? candidate for the 2004 Presidential
And what happened to the parents and Election.
the family of this child who was killed
brutally like this? Nobody reported him Now, I don’t understand what some of
missing. Is this the society that we are the media proclaim that there is war
defending if we are saying that we are between these three people. I see them
not supposed to become preachers? all smiling holding hands. I don’t
What will happen if we don’t say understand why some media should
anything about these crimes? Again this become judges and politicians. I
will be my mantra every year as long as understand yesterday when I spoke to
I am a Member of Parliament. The one of them said I am not a journalist.
Housing Act 34 of 1944 should be “Yes, I am not a journalist; I am a
repealed so that local authorities and politician so leave the politics to me”.
municipalities stop to sell poor people Please Honourable members, do your
and old people’s houses by evicting work as journalists. Don’t become a
them. They have a right to dignity. Our politician while you are a journalist. If
constitution says that. you want to become a politician then
resign from the journalism job and
Even in Windhoek, our politicians in the become a politician so that you speak
City of Windhoek must know. I will say politics.
this comrades over and over again, you
should stop making policies anti-poor. You see, when we speak about that the
We have a budget that we are passing nation should be well informed, it is not
221
for you to judge whom you like and Sometimes you had to do things. “Show
whom you don’t like, whom you like to me a leader who is not a killer” one
put or what who says that you like and person said. I am not saying that
those ones that you don’t like not to put everybody was a killer. I am saying
them. I don’t care you don’t need to put everybody did something wrong
me, I don’t need to be put. But it is not somewhere in their lives. But why do we
me you are going to punish, it is the want to throw a stone? None of us are
nation. It is not any of these Honourable saints including the media. You are not
members when you don’t say anything saints. Who told you that you are saints?
that they said which is valuable and If you think you can abuse your power
developmental driven that you feel you of freedom of speech and expression of
should not put it because they are from the media, we will also abuse our
the second House. They are from a lower immunity in this House to get back at
House. We are the upper House, the you. Keep watching out. Don’t think
House of Review that is why today I am that you can abuse and nobody else will
wearing like the queen of England abuse. We are just responsible, but if
because we are from the push comes to shave, we shall show our
Commonwealth. In the Commonwealth true colours.
we are the House of Laws. So, please
take note. We member of the Nelson Mandela divorced Winnie
Commonwealth and the National Mandela, “this is interesting for men”.
Council is call “The House of Lords”. After many years when he was in prison
Please note that. and when she was in the country in the
hit of the struggle, there is no problem, if
I don’t understand that in the case of people don’t agree and they can’t it is
South Africa, I love Nelson Mandela fine. I am not saying it is wrong, I am
with whole of my heart. He is one of my making a point. Then he married Graca,
heroes and it is right that he is treated still nobody ever said and which I
like a State’s man. [interjections]. I appreciate, nobody condemned him
don’t want to talk about Zuma because because that was his private life. That is
Zuma is not giving the right message on what he chose to do which is right. But if
HIV/Aids. So, I don’t agree with him on a Namibian leader is just rumoured, a
that one. I don’t believe in showers. You person is condemned. Why? Why can’t
must use a condom. Please don’t believe we really respect our own leaders? The
that because it is not true. Stay away leader that I am talking about is Dr Sam
from sex, but if you have to, please use a Safiishuna Nujoma the President of
condom. Don’t have unprotected sex, we Swapo party, the ruling party, the party
need you. of the Government and he is not
appointed by the way, he is elected.
I want to understand, Nelson Mandela is
well praised in this Republic of Namibia I don’t know what is the origin of the
by journalists and by everybody, but if I purpose of these letters in the Windhoek
can say, Bishop Kameeta when launched Observer because the origin intent for
this book said, “all of us, our hands are creation. I don’t know the origin and the
not clean as leaders or politicians”, intent for the creation of these letters.
because sometimes you had to lie.
222
I don’t know the end for which the When people do not understand or
means exist for these letters. I don’t accept the relationship between personal
know what the desired result is for these and cooperate vision there can be
letters. I don’t know the destination that problems. This happen when members
prompts this journey that these people from a certain group or party think that
embark on. I don’t know what the they are inferior to the person with the
expectation of the source is. I don’t original vision, or if some people want to
know what the objective of the subject sub-plant the person with a larger vision
or the aspiration for the inspiration of like Sam Nujoma, this is where the
these letters is. All things begin and problem starts. Moses had the same
they end with a purpose. The purpose of problem with Miriam and Aaron, his
these letters is to destroy. The purpose is brother and sister in Micah 6:4. “I
to divide this nation and the mighty brought you up out of Egypt and
Swapo party. Luke 11:7 “A house redeemed you from the land of slavery, I
divided against itself will fall”. Amos sent Moses to lead you, also are Aaron
3:3 “Can two walk together unless they and Miriam, but I sent Moses to lead
agree?” No, they can’t. In Swapo we you.” God sent Sam Nujoma to lead us
don’t want to be in a house which is out of the joke of apartheid and nobody
divided because it causes confrontation. will remove it. He received the original
We are in a House with one vision. This vision like Moses. He is the one with
is the purpose of these sick people whom God met directly and through
writing these sick letters to destroy us whom God spoke. When Miriam and
and to divide us, but you won’t succeed. Aaron became jealous of Moses - you
To those who wanted to fall prey “be see from the Bible time jealousy is there,
careful”. Spend major time with positive and wanted to absorb his role, it caused
influence and minor times also to the turmoil within the leadership group. God
youth with negative influence. It is all had to remind Miriam and Aaron in a
right to have casual friends as long as very graphic way that it is his purpose
you spend casual time with them. Spend that prevails. Therefore, the National
major time with positive influence. 1 Council want to remind the Namibian
Corinthians 15:33 Paul said: “Bad people that it was God’s purpose which
company corrupts good character”. prevailed for Sam Nujoma to lead this
nation to liberation. It does not mean
Swapo members, be careful. What you others did not assist. It does not mean
receive from misguided missiles is for others did not contribute. It just means
you to spend time rather with people of he was leading. There should always be
vision like Sam Safiishuna Nujoma. Dr a leader, if we know our Bible. Why on
Sam Safiishuna Nujoma received the God’s earth do we want to destroy this
vision from God to lead the nation from leader? You can’t remove it from
the joke of apartheid. Exodus 18… “I Comrade Nujoma. He led this nation
will give you the Bible because this is with vision, determination, he
what is steering us and it is the Bible that compromised his family and youth, he
teaches us how to execute our duties.” served us with loyalty and dedication.
Exodus 18:13 – 26 God will bring We will not tolerate such selfish and
together private purposes and vision in unscrupulous elements who want to
order to facilitate corporate success.
223
destroy the image of our leader God has distribution. But if the information is
given us. not going to the people, I agree that
NBC employees, New Era, everybody
The Government (we) demand the who work should get good salaries. They
identity of these letter writers in order to should get performance bonuses, but
face the law of our country. The those ones who don’t perform and who
Constitution Chapter 3, Article 8: destroy because they chose whom they
Respect for Human Dignity - select should be their leaders and should
(1) “The dignity of all persons shall be their gods and kings. They should not
be inviolable.” Therefore, the dignity of get any penny. They should actually
our Founding Father and others are leave the job and become politicians
violated and therefore are acting against because that is what they want to be.
the Constitution of our country and Some people make it difficult for others.
therefore the law should take its course. There are good media in this country.
These people have to be taken to court to There are good media practitioners, but
pay for defamation of character and there are also the rotting apples. We
destruction of the dignity of our really want to get away with these
Founding Father (the President of Swapo rotting apples because we want a media
Party) elected for that matter. who is free of cohesion.
Normally it is said, “Which position is Are we not putting development first on
she looking for? She is looking for a our agenda, like our Chief Whip said
high position”, ‘if we speak the truth’. I yesterday? Why are you sensor us as
don’t need any position, I have a leaders? Let us sensor you. Don’t sensor
position and even in my house I have a us. If you want these jobs of ours please
position. I don’t need positions resign your jobs and stand for election
anywhere else. Internationally we have next time.
positions. We don’t look for positions.
We simply want to speak the truth. I am Let me conclude Comrade Chairman.
saying because that is what is normally The budget of the National Council was
said. I want to hit the nail. I am not very, very low. Little amount in order
scared of people and want to talk behind for these Honourable members to reach
people’s backs. I will say it so that the the people to do what the people have
world can hear. If I am wrong, at least requested them to do what they are
somebody can say you are wrong. But if elected for. As politicians they are not
I keep quiet and sit on a fence nobody even receiving very nice salaries in this
will be able to tell me whether I have country as in other African countries. In
done well or not. So, let me be the some African countries the
challenger to take that chance. I don’t backbenchers, I am not even talking
have anything to loose. All I have to about Ministers, earn N$60 000 per
gain is the grace of God. month, more than our President of the
country. There is one thing I don’t
The Ministry of Information and understand and that is why I said this
Broadcasting for instance got N$30 House is the House of Review (Upper
million more than the Ministry of Lands. House). This House Comrade Chairman,
We are talking about Land Re- Honourable members, I want to
224
understand why we don’t form part of there justice if it is allocated like that?
the SADC Parliamentary Forum. There is no justice.
Honourable Sibiya mentioned that
yesterday they had to accompany Comrade Chairman, Honourable
members of the National Assembly. members, let me conclude with Phil ya
Nangolo who takes issues with His
MR. HAKAYE: Members of Excellency the President of Republic of
Parliament. Namibia. He complains that Acting
Judge Simpson Mtambanengwe has been
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: I also read appointed as Chairperson of the
this morning Phil ya Nangolo speaking Commission of Public Office Bearers
about “members of Parliament and Remunerations. What conflict of interest
Regional Councils” and I was asking, is he talking about in his letter in the
but as Human Rights expert, how does Republikein of today? He says that this
he not know that we are also parliament. judge is having conflict of interest and
This is parliament also. So, why are we should therefore resign. Does Phil
not part of SADC Parliamentary Forum understand that the judge is not a
but we are part of PAN-African politician? Politicians decide on their
Parliament? Why? What makes us less remuneration in other countries. Because
parliamentarians? Are we sub-human? I the Namibian Swapo Government does
will leave that question Comrade not want conflict of interest, they have
Chairman. decided to come up with a Commission,
independent people to do independent
On the numbers between us and the things in the interest of the country and
National Assembly, I would like to make all of us. Why is he not praising the
a comparison. This is not a fight, this is Government for coming up with such a
just the truth. If you are children you say Commission for us not to decide our
“let’s tell the truth”. So, you say what own pockets and put our monies very
you feel and I say what I feel. So, let me high while the people are suffering. Why
say what I feel, it is my democratic right. is he condemning now the President for
We are saying N$26 million where they appointing this Judge as Chairperson?
have N$57 million, but the difference This is a Judge, he is an independent
between the members who gets anything person. When he has to make a ruling in
from that money is that they are 36. Let court he is impartial, and because of that
us not be fooled with the 78 because 42 impartiality the President found it fit.
members are from the Executive. They Who is Phil to come and question our
get paid by their Ministries, when they President Comrade Pohamba? Who are
travel everything is done by their you? You must say if you want to
Ministries. So, what the National become a president. You must run like
Assembly pays is for 36 members. What others and loose.
we pay if I deduct our three Deputy
Ministers is for 23 members. But there is In final conclusion, our staff members
a difference of 12 between us and them. who serve us in this Council are so few,
Twelve, number 12. They get half a they are underpaid and overworked
million more for 12 more members. Is because we don’t have a Parliamentary
there justice? That’s my question. Is Commission where our staff can get
225
salaries in line with what other African budget. The Secretary will read the
countries, I am not even talking about Second Order of the day.
Europeans, African countries pay their
staffs. We should always remunerate SECOND ORDER READ:
people for the performances and
services. Motivate them. But what we SECRETARY: Resumption of Debate
have is, people are disillusioned because on Reports – The Report of the
they are not getting a good salary in National Council Standing Committee
order to perform their duties. Apparently on Foreign Affairs, Defence and
in the National Council our contributions Security on its regional visits,
are not valued because it is not well undertaken from the 8th - 31st of
researched. So, please give us more staff August 2005.
with more resources and let them
research for us so that these poor stupid CHAIRMAN: When this debate was
people who sit here who don’t have well adjourned on Tuesday, May 23 2006, the
researched documents can become question before the Council was a
clever. Because that is what is said, but Report by Honourable Hakaye.
let me inform you, we are very clever Honourable Shangheta adjourned the
that is why we won as individuals on debate and he now has the floor.
Party tickets as individuals in our
constituencies. MR. SHANGHETA: Thank you very
much Comrade Chairman, Honourable
Having said that, the people in our members. I wish to use this opportunity
constituencies, we are there to serve you, to thank and congratulate the Standing
we don’t want to be served. Be-rest Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence
assured this National Council will and Security for a job well done. In the
always be there on behalf of the people same vein I want to use this opportunity
for the people. I thank you. to salute and thank the men and women
in the Ministry of Defence Force for
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much their commitment to defend the hard
Honourable Mensah-Williams. Any won revolution that we are enjoying
further discussion? There being none, I today in the Republic of Namibia. That
now put the question that the Bill be read is peace, stability, freedom and
a third time. Any secondment? Any independence that have prevailed
objection? Agreed to. The Secretary will through the 16 years of independence.
now read the Bill a third time. The same thanks go out to the Namibian
police force for their commitment to
THIRD READING: maintain law and order in all corners of
our beloved country.
SECRETARY: Appropriation Bill
[B.2 – 2006]. I want to support the recommendations
made by the Committee that the
CHAIRMAN: Shall I congratulate you definition “war veterans” properly and
for having passed the pro-growth, pro- clearly be defined, and those who are
poor and probably not pro-security qualifying to be rewarded, be rewarded
226
accordingly. In other related matters the to that of private soldier is still
Committee has informed; outstanding, although progress was
achieved last year. One military strategy
- That the extra Plan Combatants feel set was that if you want [indistinct]. We
unfairly treated and discriminated should therefore avail funds to adjust the
against despite their contribution to the salary scale of our troops to serve us
liberation struggle which brought well. Defence Force like all other
freedom and independence of our institutions should be led and served by
mother-land Namibia; highly trained cadre if it is to contribute
- That they were not appropriately to the noble task as stipulated in the
rewarded as revolutionaries and freedom Constitution. In this regard, the
fighters like their counterparts in Namibian Defence Force needs to be
Zimbabwe and South Africa. trained all the time to conform to the
changing environment and technology.
Comrade Chairman, Honourable This however, requires sufficient funds
members, the committee further heard to produce training from other country’s
that the Ex- Combatant fund which was training institutions. Locally the NDF
established to benefit former fighters needs training areas in order to meet the
equally and fairly is not fulfilling its challenge of the 21st century. This being
objectives whereas others have to reach so, our traditional leaders and
60 years of age to benefit from the fund. community at large should be made to
understand this essential need of our
Comrade Chairman, Honourable Defence Force.
members, this is great unhappiness
among the former fighters and in Comrade Chairman, Honourable
particular Plan Combatants. They are members, in conclusion, members of the
requesting that the relevant authority Namibian Defence Force and the Police
should be conducted to seek urgent Force are performing their national
attention on their grievances. Something obligations with pride. It is therefore
must be done as a matter of urgency for upon us as political leaders to support
especially the Chairperson of Foreign them in order to achieve our dream of
Affairs, Defence and Security. Vision 2030. Where there is no peace,
there will be no economic development.
Honourable Chairman, Honourable The NDF and the Police are the peace
members, the bulk and other Defence and insurance of this country. Hence, our
Force installation need comprehensive support is critically needed.
renovation and upgrading in order to
improve the living condition of our I would also like to use this opportunity
troops, soldiers and those who are in to appeal to our Government, the
security insurances of the land of brave. Government of the Republic of Namibia
They should be treated with care as they to critically re-look and reconsider the
deserve. Sufficient fund should be made pride of war veterans and freedom
available in the construction of new fighters as a matter of urgency.
military bases for NDF. The
improvement of salaries of army With these few remarks, I support the
personnel from rank Lieutenant General Report of the Standing Committee on
227
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security or print this across the boarder in the
and I thank you. name of security for all. Thank you very
much Comrades. We in the committee
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much always count on your usual cooperation.
Honourable Shangheta. Any further Now that this report has become a public
discussions? Good. Honourable Hakaye, document, we have every good reason to
do you wish to reply? believe that prompt action will be taken
to address most of the pertinent issues
MR. HAKAYE: Yes, Comrade which are said either to be of security
Chairman. Comrade Chairman, and to the entire security of the nation
Honourable members, allow me to above the relevant authorities particularly the
all thank most sincerely the Ministers, Ministry of Finance, National Planning
Deputy Ministers, Permanent Commission is urged to make serious
Secretaries, Commanders, High Ranking submissions to Cabinet in order to
and Senior Officials of the Ministries redress issues raised in our report.
under the ambits of my committee for
the blessing, viable information, patriotic Comrade Chairman, Honourable
understanding and memorable and members, I have been anyway for quite
cordial reception offered to the some time bothering on as to why our
committee during the time of our visit to mothers were silent about the horrific
the regions. My special thanks go to the massacre of our young ones in
Honourable Regional Governors and Ohangwena region. I did not know what
their Executive Officials for having to say and where to start. Now that my
facilitated most of our activities in the sister has spoken, I think that was
regions. Though in some few regions implying that we were sort of condoning
information did not reach all concerned this barbaric murder. There is nothing on
people or stakeholders. I further earth especially within the Namibian
appreciate and recognise the inner society that make a human person to
committee spirit of honest and readiness commit such a horrible crime of her own
to call to mission including the trip from blood, her own children and three of
Katima to Impalila via Kasika. You them. This is a massacre like any other
remember that one Comrades. That was massacre perpetrated by the racist South
quite a good experience with Africa the then Koevoets. I think
Commanders, because that was very somewhere, somehow we need to be
tough but it was getting on well as we treated when it comes to the moral of our
went along. This includes committee people and I think the medical personnel
clerk and our [indistinct] who displayed should take this as a serious challenge to
his talents and experiences. the profession. Mothers especially young
ones when advised by grown ups of a
Coming back to our House as usually, situation, they never mind much, but
Comrades, I sincerely thank you for your when things get hot they run out of
undivided support to our report, for your proportion. Parental advises are there to
good words you have said not only to the serve the purpose. These are some of the
committee but to the men and women in things that we cannot condone in the
uniform out there. I believe my Namibian society.
colleagues from media will cover and air
228
With these few and strong observations and I think all activities will go on as
Comrade Chairman, I think we as planned.
Namibian people will definitely address
the moral and create possibilities of With these, have safe journey and those
addressing the moral of our people so of us that are travelling today, drive
that Namibia could not be on world careful, do not speed. In rules, speed
calendar as having occupied even zero kills. I do not need to remind you
per cent in this fabrications. I am very Honourable members and on that again,
much sorry about that but it is really I would like to specially thank our young
happening and must be brought to an parliamentarians. Some of you sit for
end. I thank you very much for your five minutes and go, but this ones where
support as I said earlier on. brave enough to sit with us and observe
their Honourables. Some of you are
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much going to be 18 years of age, those of you
Honourable Hakaye for those conclusive who did not elect yet, I think you would
remarks on the report. I now put the want to grow up so that you elect and be
question that the report be adopted. Any elected to Houses like this so that you
secondment? Any objection? Agreed to. speak for your people and your own
The report is adopted. Honourable rights.
members, that was the order of the day.
Is there any other business? There being With these few remarks Comrade
none, allow me to remind you of your Chairman, Honourable members, this
invitation to the CPA Branch meeting at august House stands adjourned until
12:00. Now I call Honourable Hakaye to further notice. So I move.
adjourn the session.
CHAIRMAN: Any objection? Agreed
MR. HAKAYE: Comrade Chairman, to. This House stands adjourned until
Honourable members of this august further notice.
House, before declaring this session
official closed, let me take a unison COUNCIL ADJOURNED
special dedication to all members of the
National Council for your efforts, energy
and that you braved cold of Windhoek to
make the business of this session a
reality. The nation out there, I think our
electorates in all our constituencies will
render us a warm welcome as well as
having exercise and performed the
mandate given to us by them. In the
same vein, I wish you go back to our
constituencies including myself for
further hard work for the interest of our
electorates. There are so many pertinent
issues there that we have been out of our
constituencies for longer time some of us
229
INDEX TO SPEECHES
Chairman: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 34, 35, 36, 67,
113, 114, 138, 139, 140, 141, 169, 170, 183, 189, 190, 195, 196, 197, 198, 202, 206, 207,
208, 210, 212, 215, 223, 225, 226
Vice-Chairperson: 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40-50, 52-56, 58, 60, 62, 63, 65,
66, 69, 72-76, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 88, 90, 92-96, 99, 100, 105-109, 111, 112, 113, 115-
133, 135-139, 141-145, 148, 149, 150-153, 155, 156, 157, 159, 162-164, 167, 170,173,
174, 176-180, 182, 183, 210, 215, 218, 222
Appollus, W: 63, 105, 119, 160
Diergaardt, T: 18-19, 155, 198
!Gobs, S: 17-18, 32, 62, 73, 88, 120, 133, 159, 167
Hakaye, J: 36, 47, 50-52, 66, 67, 69, 75, 76, 80, 81, 96, 113, 114, 126-128, 138-141,
148, 153, 154, 157, 162, 169, 170, 179, 183, 195, 212, 222, 225, 226
Kabula, D: 27, 112, 123,
Katoma, L: 16-17, 45, 62, 74, 135, 168,
Kankoshi, H: 6-9, 28, 31, 40, 52, 58, 75, 95, 130, 149, 176, 189
Karupu, S: 196
Kavetu, N: 33, 83, 105, 120, 134, 176
Kavetuna, F: 12-13, 100, 214, 177
Martin, A: 13-16, 41, 52, 98, 132, 144, 190
Mogotsi, S: 150, 152-156, 162
Mwilima, L: 23-25, 44, 49, 60-62, 86, 107, 142, 181, 197
Nakwafila, J: 34, 88, 106, 136
Namwandi, B: 25-27, 31, 37, 43, 48, 116, 125
Ndemula H: 74, 75, 114, 139, 142, 152, 156
Ndjambula, P: 4-6, 55, 78, 80, 81, 94, 102, 108, 122, 159, 172, 173, 174, 207, 217
230
Nhinda, R: 39, 56-58, 79, 80, 81, 111, 202
Nguvauva,K: 30, 53, 102, 109, 145, 164
Nicanor, H: 1-2, 9, 19-21, 28, 35, 46, 90, 118, 143
Sibiya, R: 21, 22, 42, 48, 58-60, 72, 83, 161, 198
Siwombe, F: 71, 82, 99, 131, 167, 206
Shangheta, B: 9, 10-12, 37, 54, 67, 92, 93, 125, 126, 127, 170, 178, 182, 189, 195, 208,
210, 223
Ya Kasita, H: 2
231