James Sankwasa sees people moving from small towns to big cities as a major problem he must tackle as the new minister of urban and rural development. He believes making rural areas better places to live would reduce pressure on city land. Sankwasa brings over 30 years of political experience, having previously worked as deputy minister of works and transport for five years, ending in 2020. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah named him to this position Saturday alongside deputy minister Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele.
Sankwasa questioned how cities can provide enough land when rural residents constantly move to urban areas, searching for opportunities. He pointed out that rural development requires many different government departments working together—not just his ministry alone. Roads, healthcare, and farming support must all improve together for rural communities to thrive. He stressed that without cooperation between different parts of government, Namibia cannot solve these challenges effectively.
The new minister plans to fight corruption at all levels of government, including local councils, regional authorities, and traditional leaders. He firmly stated that corruption hurts Namibian citizens and must be completely eliminated from the system. Sankwasa also mentioned that land reform policies need serious changes because most available land has become commercial property. He asked tough questions about where exactly usable land exists and who should receive it under current policies.
Deputy Minister Nawases-Taeyele is committed to helping citizens access affordable housing with proper sanitation facilities, saying she wants to restore dignity to Namibians through these necessities. She described herself simply as a public servant dedicated to helping the Namibian people. Nawases-Taeyele continues serving in the same deputy minister role she has held since September 2023, when former president Hage Geingob appointed her to the position. Both leaders face significant challenges in addressing housing shortages and development inequalities across Namibia.
Sankwasa questioned how cities can provide enough land when rural residents constantly move to urban areas, searching for opportunities. He pointed out that rural development requires many different government departments working together—not just his ministry alone. Roads, healthcare, and farming support must all improve together for rural communities to thrive. He stressed that without cooperation between different parts of government, Namibia cannot solve these challenges effectively.
The new minister plans to fight corruption at all levels of government, including local councils, regional authorities, and traditional leaders. He firmly stated that corruption hurts Namibian citizens and must be completely eliminated from the system. Sankwasa also mentioned that land reform policies need serious changes because most available land has become commercial property. He asked tough questions about where exactly usable land exists and who should receive it under current policies.
Deputy Minister Nawases-Taeyele is committed to helping citizens access affordable housing with proper sanitation facilities, saying she wants to restore dignity to Namibians through these necessities. She described herself simply as a public servant dedicated to helping the Namibian people. Nawases-Taeyele continues serving in the same deputy minister role she has held since September 2023, when former president Hage Geingob appointed her to the position. Both leaders face significant challenges in addressing housing shortages and development inequalities across Namibia.
