Muha tells new MPs to revive the dead fund bill

Departing legislative leaders are calling on their successors to advance stalled legislation that would direct funding toward community infrastructure projects across Namibian regions. National Council Chair Lukas Muha appealed at a farewell event held on Wednesday in the capital as current members prepare to leave office next week.

The proposed regional constituency development fund aims to address basic needs in both the countryside and metropolitan areas. Muha emphasized that future council members must resurrect the dormant proposal, which he described as essential for improving living conditions. Independent lawmaker Paulus Mbangu first introduced the measure during 2023, with former minister Erastus Uutoni later presenting it to the National Assembly. Despite President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pledging earlier this year to bring the bill forward after its previous expiration, no legislative action has materialized.

Mbangu stressed that constituents seek practical solutions rather than ambitious projects, citing water distribution systems as an example of immediate priorities. Regional council and local authority elections are scheduled for November 26, following the conclusion of the current five-year term on Monday.