The chairperson of Zambezi Regional Council has issued a stern warning to Namibia's urban and rural development minister over proposed legislation that would strip regional councils of key administrative powers. Matengu Simushi, who also serves as president of the Association of Regional Councils, accused James Sankwasa of bypassing required consultations before tabling amendments that would transfer authority to appoint chief executive and chief regional officers from councils to the ministry.
Sankwasa defended the bill by asserting that regional councils should concentrate on community concerns rather than administrative functions, while accusing Simushi of mismanaging the Zambezi region and tolerating corruption. The minister contends that senior officials face fraud charges from the Anti-Corruption Commission. Simushi rejected these claims as diversionary tactics, noting that arrests demonstrate the legal system functioning properly and remain separate from the constitutional question of decentralized governance powers established under existing law.
Sankwasa defended the bill by asserting that regional councils should concentrate on community concerns rather than administrative functions, while accusing Simushi of mismanaging the Zambezi region and tolerating corruption. The minister contends that senior officials face fraud charges from the Anti-Corruption Commission. Simushi rejected these claims as diversionary tactics, noting that arrests demonstrate the legal system functioning properly and remain separate from the constitutional question of decentralized governance powers established under existing law.
