Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698939624529.pdf (Namibia)
- 1 - - 217 - Thursday, 9 June 2022 No.

9 - 2022 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS MINISTER: QUESTION NO.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.
Prime Minister ............................................................................................... 36 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International ................................... 42 Relations and Cooperation Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security ....................... 39 Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs ..................................................... 40 Minister of Finance ........................................................................................ 31 Minister of Education, Arts and Culture ................................ 30, 32, 47, 49, 51 Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare Minister of Health and Social Services Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation ............. 35 10.
Minister of Mines and Energy ............................................... 24, 27, 28, 43, 48 11.

Minister of Justice .............................................................................. 26, 44, 45 12.

Minister of Urban and Rural Development .............................................. 33, 52 13.

Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism ..................................... 37, 41 14.

Minister of Industrialisation and Trade - 218 - - 106 - 15.
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform ......................... 23, 25, 34, 38 16.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources 17.

Minister of Works and Transport ................................................................... 12 18.

Minister in the Presidency 19.

Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service .............................................. 29 20.

Minister of Information and Communication Technology ............................. 46 21.
Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation ..................... 47, 50 Question 23 (2022-02-16) Mr. Mwilima (PDM) shall ask the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: The Zambezi region has vast fertile land, and a very good rainfall pattern.

It has always been a potential for agricultural production.
It is therefore important to initiate and encourage the development of irrigation based on agronomic production within the agro-industry in Namibia with the aim of achieving various economic objectives such as job creation and food security.

Five years ago, the traditional authorities in the Zambezi region had availed 19 600 hectares of land for possible green schemes.

These proposed schemes are: 1.

Singalamwe area with 5000 hectares 2.

Muyako area with 5000 hectares 3.


Liselo area with 1699 hectare and; 4.

Kongola area with 8000 hectares With the current economic crisis, disasters and outbreaks such as Covid-19, it remains imperative and in the best interest of Namibia to be reliant in the agricultural sector in efforts to ensure food security and sustainability.

I thus ask the Minister: 1.


When will your Ministry facilitate the setting up of agricultural schemes on the 19 600 hectares of land availed by the traditional authorities in the Zambezi region?

2.

What is the plan of your Ministry to revive the rest of the existing green schemes across the country which have since become unproductive white hors es while a staggering 26% of the population remains food insecure?
_________________ - 219 - - 107 - Question 24 (2022-02-15) Mr. Iipumbu (NEFF) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: 1.

We have policies that are outlined to guide the employment industry.

Why do we allow our people to be decolonised after we have achieved our political freedom?

Mine workers are being exploited of which their living is equal to every worker at the mines.

Workers are underpaid and this has a negative impact on the living of our people.
Hon minister, when did you last visit Chinese mines (Swakop Uranium and Langhenrich) here in Namibia?

What policy is in place to pay salaries and what is the minimum wage that is paid particularly by the Chinese mining company?

2.

The workers at NANDED had been for the past 16-20 year going through a body search screening (X-ray Radiator).

Why are the people not accommodated at the old accommodation facilities (ubufrei/3 plant) like they used to be in the past?
Are you aware of the health hazard the screening machine (X-ray) is contributing to the health of our people?

Do you know that pregnant women at Namdeb don’t go to work as the radiation has a negative impact on their health?

NAMDEB has cameras everywhere and for no reason the screening should happen each and every day since this will have our people’s health compromised.

I am sure there should be a statistic as to, how many employees of Namdeb get retrenched because of the Screening process.

3.
3.

The mining industry is one among others key sectors that contribute to many lives of our people and this sector should be seriously taken care of.

The Minister needs to occasionally oversee not only the work done but also to see the wages of our people.

When will the old accommodation facilities be renovated and allow workers to stay there?
_________________ Question 25 (2022-02-16) Mr. Shihumbu (PDM) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: During December recess, McHenry Venaani and myself undertook a working visit trip to the green schemes in the Kavango East.

We observed that worth of billions of Namibian dollars of Government agricultural implements are either broken, expensive machineries are isolated, left in the sun and everything is in total disarray and disorganised.
Regrettably, despite these huge investments in terms of infrastructures of this magnitude, Namibia as a country still cannot generate any source of revenue streams into government coffer and we can only deduce that Government through your Ministry is not reliable at all and cannot be trusted with multi million dollars’ properties.
Your Ministry procured a fleet of Agriale tractors from Brazil some 9 years ago and most of these tractors are already not in good working condition and their service parts cannot be sourced local here or else were in Africa.

I thus ask: 1.

How many Agriale tractors were bought and imported into the country from Brazil?

2.

What was the market value including shipment government paid for these tractors?
- 220 - - 108 - 3. Who in your Ministry sourced for these tractors knowing that service parts will not be found in Namibia or Africa?

4.

Why local tractors suppliers who have played a crucial and helped reduce unemployment was disregarded and choose to buy in Brazil?

5.

Will you hold responsible for any of your staff members who procured these trac- tors, spending millions of dollars of Namibian tax payer’s money knowing that service parts will not be accessible in Namibia or Africa?

6.
6.

What is your position as head of department for these tractors that are idling and doing nothing as a result of minor problems like replacement of clutch and other mechanical parts that can only be found in Brazil?
_________________ Question 26 (2022-02-17) Mr. Muharukua (PDM) asked the Minister of Justice: “Appropriate strict bail conditions serve, the proper administration of Justice, the constitutional values and the general tenets of allowing an accused out on bail...” Oosthuizen J, held this in case Gustavo v The State (CC 06/2021 and CC 07//2021) [2021) NAHCMD 591 (15 December 2021) He held this after dissecting the court’s discretion in terms of Section 61 of the CPA 1977, in a very well-reasoned and articulated Judgment where he summed up the real meaning of 61 and 60 public interest consideration in bail matters.
In his own words ‘to serve as an incentive to acquire easy monitoring capability as soon as possible in the interest of the proper administration of justice, the state is then allowed to: “affix a personal GPS device to the wrist and ankle of the accused in order to acquire the ability to monitor the movement of the accused 24/7 (at all hours), alternatively[...] affix an advanced GPS device to the vehicle(s) which the accused is going to use while on bail, and accused is obliged to identify such vehicles.
As a result of the foregoing, kindly provide the answers to the infra: 1.

Has the state affixed any of the personal GPS device as suggested, at par 42.14 of the cited bail ruling?

2.

If so, who is charged with monitoring the accused at ‘all hours’ 24/7, the state security services or a private entity?

3.

If not, does the state plan to use such personal device on the particular accused person?

4.
4.

What is the technology used in such personal devices, and why should we deem the state to have the technical ability to use and monitor such personal device?

5.

Further, if not in the affirmative, the court has given an option of alternative GPS device, has this been affixed?

6.

If not, why not?


- 221 - - 109 - The learned judge holds the view that public interest is guarded best when our constitutional values, and limitations as provided for in the constitution itself and the legislation of the land is zealously upheld and practiced.

7.

In light of that the supra how does the state intent to utilize the said 24 / 7 personal GPS device whilst guaranteeing Article 8, 13 and 14 of our constitution?

8.
8.

Should this august house anticipate constitutional amendments, or bill of legislation to cater for the protections supra?

_________________ Question 27 (2022-02-22) Mr. Van Wyk (PDM) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: It has been reported that Recon Africa is in the process to acquire 5% of the shares Government held through Namcor in its joined operation with Recon Africa.

It is further reported that consultations to conclude this deal are in an advanced stage.
1 shall therefore ask the following: 1.

What is the rationale behind selling off resources of the Namibian nation to foreign companies?

2.

Considering the various allegation against Recon Africa, should we as Namibians assume that the proposed deal is an indication that such complaints are not regarded as relevant in considering Recon Africa’s operations in Namibia?

3.
3.

Should Namibia and her nation assume, that the selling of natural resources is a new “Government Policy” considering similar actions in some other industries?

_________________ Question 28 (2022-02-22) Mr. Van Wyk (PDM) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: Maltahohe in the Daweb Constituency of the Hardap Region.
a former town now a village, situated close to the Swartrand escarpment is challenged by poor economic growth, a high unemployment rate among the youth and high a poverty rate, notwith- standing untapped natural and mineral resources.

About 14 years ago in 2008 /2009 seismic surveys were conducted by a Croatian oil company in the Maltahohe district, then Gibeon constituency.
There was much excite- ment and hope at the time, that ‘oil was found’ (or the possibility of oil being found whether then or in the future).

In the New Era newspaper article of 08 November 2009, it was reported as follows and I quote: “Huge amounts of potential oil-bearing substrate have been found in the Maltahohe district, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Joseph Iita, told New Era yesterday’ (07 November 2009).
“A seismic survey identified a source rock believed to contain about 200 million barrels of oil, a discovery if proven right, will see Namibia featuring among the oil producing - 222 - - 110 - countries of the world.

This is an offshore discovery in the Mariental area of the Hardap Region.

Seismographic measurements over an area of approximately 6 400 square kilometres (Zaris Block) started end of 2007 and by March 2008, there were rumours of oil find in that area.
Mr. Iita said it is too early to determine how successful the dig for oil in the area will be by the Croatia oil exploring company INA Industrija Nafte.

He was also confident this time Namibia could actually have oil flowing in the near future.

Drilling is penciled for early 2010 depending on the availability of a drilling rig.

The Permanent Secretary says it is time for Namibia to invest in data collection in fields such as these.
as that would increase the country’s chances of knowing where there is potential for oil and gas deposits” Another article in The Namibian newspaper dated 14 March 2011 titled “Oil and gas explorers expected back – then the Minister Katali reported as follows and I quote: “Croatian company INA Industrija up its exploration license for gas and oil in the Maltahohe area on November IO last year (2010) when it failed to find partners to fund a drilling exercise.

I shall therefore ask the following 1.


Can the Minister confirm that the oil exploration indeed took place during that period as reported in the newspapers?

2.

If yes, provide this august House with the main findings of this important exploration?

3.

From the Ministry’s perspective, what is the way forward and is there still hope for possible successful oil exploration in the (Zaris Block)?

4.
4.

What did the Ministry of Mines and Energy do since then, to encourage potential investors to restart or continue with oil exploration or drilling in the Maltahohe area?

5.

Furthermore, in general, what is the Ministry’s communication and consultation policy with regional and local authorities, and leadership, including community- based and traditional leadership to ensure that communities; and the people are beneficiaries of mineral and natural resources?

6.
6.

Could you inform this august House as to what efforts were made and what measures were implemented, if any to ensure proper data collection that would increase the country’s chances of identifying places of potential oil and gas deposits?” _________________ Question 29 (2022-02-22) Mr. Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Minister of Sport, Youth And National Service: What is the status of the failed and postponed Representative Council meeting of the National Youth Council?
My understanding is that the RC meeting should take place once a year as per the National Youth Council Act No.

3 of 2009 particularly section 11 sub-section 1, but I have it on good record that there was no ordinary session for the last two years.
I was broadly informed that the RC meeting which was to take place - 223 - - 111 - in December 2021 tax payers money closed to N$ 500 000 was put at waste as only less than 10 people tested positive and the RC Meeting couldn’t proceed, I understand that your Ministry was called by delegates seeking your intervention to ensure that tax payers money is not put into waste but for the meeting to processed as planned.
There were provisions made for those who tested positive to attend the RC virtually but the NYC Board ignored.

1.

I have it on good record that a letter dated the 8th of February was written to you by Mr. Nguvauva, a head of one of the Affiliates, requesting you to step in, but response to that is still to come from you, when do you intend to engage him?

2.

When will the postponed RC reconvene as it was agreed to take place in February but nothing happened?

3.
3.

How does the board and the Executive Chairperson account in absentia of RC.

In actual fact, to whom do they account?

How is it possible, under your watchful eyes as the line Minister that NYC is operating without an Accountant for more than a year now?

Are you aware of that?

4.

Is there check and balance in this institution?

Under whose instructions does the NYC Board operate for the past two years?
_________________ Question 30 (2022-02-22) Mr. Shuumbwa (APP) asked the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: I rise to voice my concern of Eyambithidho Junior Primary School located in the Oshikoto Region (Iiyamini Village) that has been closed in 2020.

Some of the learners who were enrolled at this school are currently at home now and do not attend school because the next nearest school is 20km from the village and transport is a problem.

1.
1.

Is the Ministry of Education aware of this matter and if yes, what is the Ministry’s plan with the school?

2.

Did the Ministry of Education consider any possible ways for example: Hostel accommodation and transport for those learners that are currently based at home?

_________________ Question 31 (2022-02-22) Ms. Hengari ( PDM) asked the Minister of Finance: Several countries have over the years instituted directed lending programmes or policy- based lending to assist SMEs with financing.
India, for example has a Priority Sector Lending programme that directs the public and private banks to earmark 40% of their net credit to sectors like the SME sector.

The Philippines have a mandatory requirement for banks to set aside 8% and at least 2% of their total portfolios for SME loans.

Pakistan, Thailand amongst others established dedicated SME banks.
These efforts towards reducing supply side constraints for SME lending, involved the formation of special development funds or banks for SMEs and also cooperation with commercial banks through directed sector lending policies.

- 224 - - 112 - In 2019, Cabinet approved the establishment and operationalisation of a skills-based lending facility for the youth that would ensure access to affordable finance for potential and emerging entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Finance was directed to oversee the facility, while the Development Bank of Namibia administers it.
The following are the requirements for skills-based finance for Young Artisans: • Certified copy of ID/passport (not more than 3 months old) • Proof of residence (municipal bills, rental agreement, etc) • Proof of income (6 months’ bank statement bank stamped) • Certified copy of most recent NQF qualification • Proof of registration of CC or sole proprietorship • If ANY: Marriage Certificate or divorce certificate • Proof of at least 6 months’ employment / experience after the most recent NQF qualification • Verifiable letters of reference • Quotations for assets / vehicles / stock to be financed • Business plan • Projected cash flow statement for the duration of the new loan for new business (minimum 36 months) • Good standing certificate from SSC • Good standing certificate from the Ministry of Finance • Income Tax Registration Certificate • Certificate of Fitness from the Municipality/Councils • Statement of Personal Assets and Liabilities • CV • • If ANY: Copy of life insurance policy *If ANY: Copy of short-term insurance policy I thus ask: 1.
When will the Bank revisit this tall orders to make it easier for young people to access this facility?

- 225 - - 113 - 2. Who is the target market for this particular facility?

3.

At a time when most artisans are young and unemployed, why is job experience a requirement to qualify for this loan?

4.

Of the 121 youth owned rural enterprises, how many have been established and how many have developed bankable proposals for funding and operationalization?
5. ls it true that only 10% of women have been able to access funding through DBN this far, is your Ministry satisfied with this rate?

If not, what mechanisms have you put in place to ensure more women, youth and those living with special needs access this facilities?

6.

In terms of employment created from loans approved, are there any mechanisms to ensure the authenticity of information provided by lenders, what are those?

7.
7.

Apart from support from GIZ, what is Government’s contribution to the Mentoring and Coaching program which is expected to benefit at least 200 SMEs?

8.

Does Minister believe in building rural economies?

What do you think the relationship of the Development Bank of Namibia and the informal traders/sector should look like in the medium-to-long term?
_________________ Question 32 (2022-02-22) Mr. Iipumbu (NEFF) asked the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: The percentage scored by grade 10 and 11 should not make you feel you are doing effective work.
The Senior Secondary phase in which grade 10-11 were introduced or extended to the combined schools in the rural areas was placed there without proper preparations for education facilities such as hostels, laboratories, furniture, text books, and permanent classrooms in some areas without qualified teachers.

Learners have no alternatives but to squatter at nearby cuca shops renting behind shebeens.
In regions like Ohangwena and Omusati the directorates of education are renting privately owned buildings instead of catering for the learners population.

Pregnancies among learners and drugs usages are increasing among learners due to vulnerability and levels of poverty-stricken, and thus I ask: 1.

How many schools offering grade 10-11 without hostels?

2.

When will the regions stop extending grade 10-11 to unplanned combined schools?

3.
3.

Can the Minister deny or agree that the condition of our schools produces unproductive and less market competitive products?

4.

Whereas you are empowering your connected people, our children are increasingly becoming and subjected to all types of exploitations (labour and sexual).

5.
5.

When people challenge your weak leadership, it does not mean defending yourselves will solve the school problem, this is the time you should double your efforts and produce better as that is our main goal we are expected to achieve.

- 226 - - 114 - 6.

When will you put an end to unqualified teachers and employ the qualified Namibian teachers?

7.

What is your take on our qualified Namibian teachers, whereas you have employed a higher number of foreigners?

8.
8.

When do you regard a Namibian qualified teacher, a Namibian qualified teacher?

Is it when they are roaming in the streets or what is your take on this?

9.

How many qualified Namibian teachers are on the street as of today?

10.

What is your Ministry producing for the future?

Is it quantity or quality?

_________________ Question 33 (2022-02-22) Mr. Mukwilongo (NEFF) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: We have noticed with great concern the town of Rundu going to worse.
This town is one of the towns with a higher population and economic activities and this town could advance the economic position of our people.

Rundu is an economic hub of both Kavango west and East, and thus I ask: 1.

When will this town be shaped as a town, Rundu town is dirty and there are no roads as other towns.

When will we see Rundu town streets roads being tyred?

2.

What do you say about the current picture of Rundu as a Minister that is responsible?

3.
3.

What is your involvement in the squabbles that had been going on in this town or did you resolve the matter?

4.

Water rates in Rundu town should be regulated as water is from within and it should be cheap for the people to be able to afford.
_________________ Question 34 (2022-02-22) Mr. Isaaks (LPM) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: The Poultry Value Chain Development scheme (PVCDS) is an initiative of the MAWLR in line with the Fifth National Development Plan, and Ministry’s strategic Plan to empower the least privileged communities and reduce disparity in income.
The overall objective is to provide poultry producers with subsidized inputs and capacity building along the value chain for income generation, employment creation in order to improve their socio economic situation.

Thus the following questions.

1.

Was the subsidy successfully implemented in all 14 Regions?

2.

How many producers benefited from the previously disadvantages communities?

- 227 - - 115 - 3.
- 227 - - 115 - 3.

Appointment regional focal person in the //Kharas, how was that done in terms of appropriate criteria, previously disadvantaged producers?

//Kharas Region hardly absorbs 30 percent of the total budget of PVCDS.

4.

Did the producers receive any training on poultry production and marketing?

5.

Do these producers receive any project support and monitoring?
_________________ Question 35 (2022-02-22) Mr. Shihumbu (PDM) asked the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation: Last year when I took a stand here in this chamber to support your motion on the Ratification of the two International Labour Organization Conventions, I raised several issues regarding how your Ministry is failing to administer legislation that govern your Ministry, after which I called upon your office to advance policies of labour relations that are conducive to economic growth, commercial stability and labour productivity which would then promote an orderly system of free collective bargaining by implementing all government regulations to improve wages and conditions of employment, enforcing minimum basic conditions of service for all employees, ensuring the health, safety and welfare of employees at work, as well as prohibiting, preventing and eliminating the abuse of child labour in Namibia.
To that end, one of the key factors I premised my argument was the lack of capacity at your Ministry to effectively respond to the growing legal needs in the labour markets.

I averred that your regional offices around the country are sitting with tens of thousands of labour disputes and deliberations waiting for execution, and nothing is being done to address this backlog of labour cases.
I also lamented that too often judgments granted in favour of applicants in those tribunals do not realize their full execution for various administrative and procedural reasons, including lack of personnel.

It is a pity that you do not as a Minister or through your representatives visit your offices to familiarize yourself with the situation faced by our people to determine whether the current laws regulating labour markets are enforced by your officials when complaints arise or not.
It is because of a lack of capacity and your unwillingness to enforce Labour laws that regulate the Labour markets that some private companies have regarded your Ministry as a toothless dog and found perfect opportunities to further exploit Namibian workers.
These defiant companies are now operating without any regards or whatsoever according to law, and are now disregarding trade unions that are lawfully established in terms of section 53 and 57 of the Labour Act of 2007 that ought to protect the interest of employees in Namibia.

Now I ask: 1.
Now I ask: 1.

Are you aware that the office of the Labour Commissioner under your Ministry has lost relevance and workers have lost trust in it as a result of its inability to handle Labour disputes in a reasonable period and to the satisfaction of powerless employees who find themselves at the receiving end of merciless capitalist employers?

- 228 - - 116 - 2.
- 228 - - 116 - 2.

If you are aware, what explanation can you give to this chamber of lawmakers as to why the office of Labour Commissioner takes very long to finalize cases which are being referred there?

Don’t you think that employers have identified this weakness and are exploiting this loophole and in the process frustrating our people?

3.

As the Minister of Labour.


Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, how do you justify the situation whereby Namibian trade unions have lost confidence in your Ministry where industrial relations is concerned, with this state of affairs mostly manifesting during your tenure as Minister of Labour,Industrial Relations and Employment Creation?

4.
4.

I have learned that truck drivers across the country, after their employers have for quite long shown complete disregard and disrespect for their rights as spelled out in the Labour Act, are threatening a NATIONAL STRIKE.

What is your intervention as the custodian of Labour Laws in order to avert this impending calamity?

5.
5.

As Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, don’t you think that it is your Ministry’s mandate to oversee and ensure that there’s conducive working environment for all employees in this country, including those in the trucking sector?

6.
6.

Irrespective of how the threat is coming, the National Strike of all Trucks that transport goods within the country and across our borders is something which Namibia as a country cannot afford to have during this time when the economy is trying to recovery from the hard knocks of Covid-19.

Can you put this House in confidence that you will for the first time intervene and bring the unions and other stakeholders to the table and resolve whatever matter is there?

7.
7.

When people see that the Labour laws are not respected by others, anarchy and all sorts of lawlessness actions kick in; and so, do you want to see what happens in South Africa from time to time also to start happening in Namibia before reality kicks in?

_________________ Question 36 (2022-03-01) Mr. Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Prime Minister: It has come to my attention that the government has spent N$6.5 million on 54 state and official funerals between January and December 2021.
This is N$5 million more and above the budgeted funds for this vote which was N$1.5 million.

This is disheartening to note that most of this departed comrades are well of and can surely take care of their own funerals.

Of course the counter argument will be that they have contributed immensely to this country in different fields, hence they must be rewarded for that.
However, I am of the opinion that they have been rewarded handsomely during their time on mother earth; by occupying many top positions in Government and in the private sectors; why should they be rewarded again in death.

Hence the following questions: 1. Who is a hero and who qualifies for a hero or state funeral?

- 229 - - 117 - 2.

Can this practice not be abandoned all together of using state funds for this burials as this exercise does not add any value to the rest of Namibians?
3. Who determine who is a hero?

4.

Why did your office overspent with a whopping N$5 million last year?

_________________ Question 37 (2022-03-01) Mr. Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: I have picked up a very disturbing news about a certain Mr Elias Namandje Amunime.

Information at my disposal indicate that Mr Namandje Amunime was a warden at Etosha National Park.

He was then convicted for attempted murder, he was found guilty and served 12 months sentence.
He served six months in prison and he has since then resumed his work as a warden at Etosha National Park soon after being released from prison.

My questions hence: 1.

Is it true that Mr Elias Namandje Amunime was convicted of attempted murder?

2.

Is it true that while he was in prison he continued to receive his full salary and all benefits while he was in prison for 6 months?

3.

Is it true that he is back at work at Etosha National Park as a warden?
If indeed the above is true, what does this reflect on the Ministry’s policy towards convicted persons to still be in the employee of the Ministry?

_________________ Question 38 (2022-03-01) Mr. Mwilima (PDM) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: On 2nd November 2021, Meatco requested for Directorate of Veterinary Services (DYS) consideration in approving the sale of the 4, 275 boxes of deboned beef to the protection zone.
These boxes came from the cattle slaughtered from an area that is unaffected by foot and mouth disease.

The directorate of veterinary services on 2 November 2021 then approved the sale of these boxes into the protection zone.

To date Meatco has managed to sell only a total number of 824 boxes into the protection zone and 3451 boxes are still filling up the chillers of the Katima Mulilo abattoir.
Minister, this makes it difficult for Meatco to move volume of deboned-cuts quickly into the market and enable the Meatco to run a business and maximize its return.
On 23rd December 2021, DYS partially lifted movement restrictions for animals products in Zambezi region, this implies that the slaughtering can resume at the Katima Mulilo abattoir, however the process cannot start as the chillers at the abattoir still filled up with the products from last year amounting to 3451 boxes which form part of the - 230 - - 118 - consignment approved for sale by DYS Last year furthermore the cattle and the product was subjected to the strict Commodity Based Trade Protocol (CBT) which render them safe.
Minister, it is against this back ground that the Meatco seek for approval of DYS to allow the sale and transportation of a total 3451 boxes of deboned primal beef cuts to CLOSWA biltong in Okahandja.

I thus ask: 1.

Provide to this August House a scientific report which state that the consignment in question is contaminated by the FMD as per your response last week.

2.

Provide evidence with detailed reports in relation to the CBT protocol which was conducted last year by DYS.

3.
3.

Minister, are you aware that the company CLOSWA together with Meatco under DYS supervision shall conduct mitigation measure which are aimed at ensuring that the risk or hazard that this product may cause is eliminated.

4.

Are you aware that farmers in the Zambezi region will not have a market for their livestock until such a time that Meatco clear the products in their freezers due to DYS trade bearer?

5.
5.

Minister notably your ministry and that of Industrialisation and Trade has so far failed to implement the buy local concept which could prevent government institutions and others companies in the retail business to stop buying and sourcing meat from the south of the red line, which could also help in clearing up this products.

6.

In the light of the above submissions, your response that, this meat was contaminated is false, it is totally not backed up by any scientific facts.
Hence, the meat is safe and cannot pose any risk what so ever.

Therefore, farmers demands that CBT protocols be followed irrespective of the type of FMD and that meat is safe.

Therefore to allow Meatco to sell the product to CLOSWA.

7.

Lastly, CLOSWA have processes that will be followed ensuring that any risk is eliminated.
_________________ Question 39 (2022-03-01) Mr. Muharukua (PDM) asked the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: In 1884, at the request of Portugal, German chancellor Otto von Bismark called together the major western powers to negotiate questions and end confusion over the control of Africa.

What ultimately resulted was a hodgepodge of geometric boundaries that divided Africa into 50 irregular countries.
This new map of the continent was imposed on over 1,000 indigenous cultures and regions of Africa.

I am of the considered opinion that despite the disregard of the European powers of our cultural and linguistic boundaries, our already established cultures, affiliation and nexus to one another remains true and engrained.

- 231 - - 119 - In Namibia the communities that reside on our border areas are rooted across our borders with our neighboring countries.
Those in Zambezi share close cultural, economic and familial ties with their African compatriots living in Zambia, and Botswana.

Those in the Kavango, Kunene, Omusati, and Ohangwena Regions are sharing similar ties with their counterparts in Angola.

Our brothers in Omaheke Region are close to those in Botswana.

These ties oblige our governments to ensure that the close nexus between their peoples flourish.
Not only to reverse the impact of what Europeans did to our communities , but to advance ours communities economically.

Border gates are but one of the ways to ensure the same people who live across borders continue enjoying the cross border benefits that should accrue to them: Hence: 1.

Out of the aforementioned regions which regions have lawful cross border crossings in the form of bridges, or border gates?

2.

Which Regions do not have lawful cross border crossing or facilities like bridges?

3.
3.

Does the absence of such facilities and / or gates not induce illegal crossing.

4.

In the absence of such bridges and/ or gates how do you keep control and record of migration between Namibian and the other countries affected by the absence of such border crossing?

5.

Has the communities and / or governmental authorities in such Regions requested and/ or proposed locations for the establishment of such gates or bridges; what were the proposed locations?

5.1.

If so when were such requests made?


5.2.

Has your Ministry and / or any other organ of the state attended to such region to ascertain the need for such border crossing / checkpoint.

5.3.

If not, why not.

5.4.

When should these communities expect to get assistance, and start enjoying the cross border affiliations like all other Namibian communities with the same Nexis to our neighbors and across border affiliation.
_________________ Question 40 (2022-03-01) Mr. Van Wyk (PDM) asked the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs: The Defence Force Foundation (DFF) was established under Section 72 (I) (e) of the Defence Act, Act 1 of 2002.

Whereas Section 86 of the Defence Act, (Act 1 of 2002), makes provision for the establishment of Trading Institution, Clubs and Messes for the exclusive use or benefits of members of the Defence Force and their families, other prescribed persons or classes of persons.
The mission of the Defence Force Foundation is to generate funds in order to establish facilities necessary for the enhancement of the welfare of the members and their families.

- 232 - - 120 - DFF generates its income through members’ monthly contribution.

The Defense Force Foundation may receive donations, dividends, sell or alienate its movable / immovable properties and may engage in trading activities as it may deemed necessary in the furtherance of its aims and objectives.
However, no provision is made for the auditing of the financial statements of the of the entity as it is regarded as “Private” as indicated by the Office of the Auditor General.

I shall therefore ask the following: 1.


Minister, would you brief this August House on (a) what number of Trading Institutions, Clubs and Messes existed in terms of Section 87 (2) with the proclamation of Defence Act, Act 1 of 2002 and (b) how many such Trading Institution, Clubs and Messes were established after the enactment of the Defense Act?

2.

How many tenders were awarded by the Ministry through the Defense Force Foundation over the past 15 years, and what amounts are involved?

3.
3.

Would you also briefly explain how the tender process at the DFF works?

4.

Would you further inform the house as to how much funds were generated over the years and how members from ranks lower than that of Captain has benefited from the various products offered by the Defense Force Foundation?

5.

Minister, would you agree with me that the absence of financial accounting systems in the DFF, creates a perfect opportunity for corruption and corrupt practices?
What measures are in place to address possible corrupt practices at the DFF?

Question 41 (2022-03-01) _________________ Mr. Van Wyk (PDM) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: The print and social media continue to report on the alleged selling of wild animals to foreign countries.

It is alleged that about twenty three (23) elephants is about to be transported to Dubai.
It is further suspected that this transaction or the transportation of the elephants takes place under strict conditions that raises various questions.

The “Gulf TODAY” reported on 18th February 2022 that El Sharhaj African Theme Park is the world’s largest Safari Park outside Africa, and home to over 50,000 animals, with herds and flocks of over 120 species.

Tourist are now invited to come to Dubai and experience Africa it its best.

I shall therefore ask the following: 1.


Could the Minister enlightened this august house, and the nation on allegations that a cargo plane from Kazakhstan has landed at the Hosea Kutako Airport last night (1 March 2022) to transport elephants to Dubai, and the EI Sharhaj African Theme Park in particular?

2.

Is it true that the “deal” was sealed during your last visit, attending the launch of the Dubai Expo?
If your answer is in the affirmative, would you please inform the nation about the details of the transaction and disclose the amount involve?

3.

Minister, if all procures were followed, why the secrecy with regard to the movement of the animals from the buitepos area via Gobabis to the HKIA and why should it take place at night?.

- 233 - - 121 - 4.
- 233 - - 121 - 4.

Is it true that these animals will be a point of attraction at an event in Dubai in the next few days, boosting attempts by Namibia to attract more buyers, to sell off “Namibian Resources” 5.

Would you agree, that the export of African animals to foreign countries, in the long term would divert the interest tourist may have in Africa to other destinations such as Dubai, resulting in Namibia and Africa losing out on the much needed revenue?
_________________ Question 42 (2022-03-08) Mr. Smit (PDM) asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: I believe we are all aware of the war that is raging between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, its neighbor.

We are also all aware of the fact that these two countries are members of the United Nations, and Russia is at present the President of the Security Council, a body that has the explicit duty to prevent war in the world.
Despite this, Russia chose to believe that Ukraine, which is less than half the size of Russia and has a population of about 40 million compared to Russia’s 210 million, was a threat to Russia’s sovereignty and sent some 100 000 soldiers into Ukraine on the pretext of protecting its Russian-speaking citizens from persecution by the Ukrainian people.

As we speak, Russia is bombing cities that are hundreds of years old and killing and terrorizing civilians indiscriminately.

I now ask: 1.
I now ask: 1.

Will the Minister explain to this August House why Namibia, as a member of the United Nations and thus sworn to keep world peace, chose not to support the General Assembly resolution condemning Russia for its unprovoked attack?

2.

Does the Minister have any proof that Ukraine or NATO threatened to attack Russia?

3.
3.

What message does the Minister think was sent to Namibia’s friends by its abstention during this vote, as this clearly indicated that it favoured Russia but didn’t have the courage to vote against the resolution?

4.

Will this government condone the forced change of government in Kiev that President Putin says is the only way to persuade him to withdraw his troops from Ukraine?
_________________ Question 43 (2022-03-08) Mr. Smit (PDM) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: Various media reports over the past year have explained how Namcor has branched out into the domain of the private sector, despite being a 100% state owned entity.

Reports of Namcor opening fuel stations in direct competition with private fuel companies have caught the public’s attention, when in the past it has operated solely as the distributor of fuel throughout the country.

- 234 - - 122 - I now ask: 1.


Will the Minister inform this August House whether Namcor still has the right to import 50% of all fuel that enters Namibia?

2.

Can the Minister tell this August House why Namcor has started competing with the private sector by opening service stations?

3.

Does the Minister think it is a good idea to make it possible for a state owned company to be in a position to become the sole provider of a strategic item such as fuel in Namibia?

4.
4.

Will the Competition Control Board act against Namcor if it manages to put the private fuel companies out of business?

_________________ Question 44 (2022-03-08) Mr. Shihumbu (PDM) asked the Minister of Justice: It is common cause that today we live in a constitutional society of which Namibia embraced one Namibia one nation principles at independence; Namibian citizen through their representative here in this chamber took a sacred oath to make law for this generation and future generation.
Some of your colleagues may disagree with me but let’s agree to disagree to the fact that the Criminal Procedure Act, Act No; 51 of 1977 was not drafted in good faith and today does not respond to contemporary needs of our society.

In the 70th our country was under colonial rule of south African apartheid and we did not had ANY sovereignty towards self-determination nor a working self-governing constitutional powers neither a human rights society that would protect black Namibian from exploitation.
Minister, legal scholars has over the years lamented that the CPA 51 of 1977 was never made to serve black society of Namibia but to serve whites counterpart of the 19th centuries, It was crafted to punish black people in the most cruel possible manner, though we have embraced and accepted some of this colonial legislations we cannot now negate the fact that some provisions of this legislation is ambiguous and discriminatory to black society and we must start a frank conversation to forge one of our own.
In 2004, this parliament widely canvased what to become a new Criminal procedure Act, Act No, 25 of 2004 in the effort to reform the criminal justice system which was spilled out to the public for editorial legal input and subsequently passed by this parliament without any opposition or criticizing.
Today the 7th of March 2022, marks nearly 19 years later and nothing has happened to that pierce of legislation after tenth of thousands of Namibian dollars and time was spent in drafting and research on the bill.

Now, therefore I ask: 1.

In all your deliberations you have spoken about transforming the justice system in Namibia.

Can you kindly put this house in confidence and enlighten us of what happened to this bill?

- 235 - - 123 - 2.
- 235 - - 123 - 2.

Do you have any information as to why this bill has not been promulgated?

3.

If there are legal challenges in the bill, why it has not been referred back to this Parliament for further examination?

4.

It is true that the reason why this bill has not received any legal status is because the government of the day continue to enjoy protection from the colonial Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977 at the expenses of the Namibian and promulgating the 2004’s Act will take away protection?
_________________ Question 45 (2022-03-08) Mr. Shihumbu (PDM) asked the Minister of Justice: In the matter between S v Ncamushe, Case number: (cc 10 of 2017) among many other cases held in the Northern Local Division.
On the 8th of June 2015 Mr Ncanushe was accused of murdering his then deceased wife; he stood trial in the Northern Local Division; he remained in police custody ever since his arrest and on the 31 March 2021 he was convicted of murdering the late Kauma Nankali Clementine with direct intent, the accused and the deceased were in a marital relation, as defined in section 1 of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act 4 of 2003.
During his pre-trial, the court referred the accused person for psychiatric observations in terms of Section 77 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 51of 1977 which set out provisions that provides for an inquiries into any accused person before court during a criminal proceeding if an accused person is by reason of mental illness or mental defect not capable of understanding the proceedings so as to make a proper defence.
The court-aqua directed that the accused’s mental illness or mental defect be enquired into and be reported on in accordance with the provisions of section 79 of the CPA.

These enquiries was to include a finding as to the extent to which the capacity of the accused to appreciate the wrongfulness of the act in question or to act in accordance with an appreciation of the wrongfulness of that act was, at the time of the commission of the crime.
It was however found that the accused person suffered from anti-social personality disorder when the crime was commissioned and subsequently sentenced to 24 years imprisonment.

The accused’s trial was delayed for nearly 6 years as a result of Ministry of health lack of capacity to evaluate his mental capacity at its psychiatric wards in the process infringing on his right as it relates to Article 8 (1) (b), Article 11(1) and Article 12(b)(e) of the Namibia Constitution.
Now, I therefore ask the following: 1.

What is the extent your Ministry’s relationship with the Ministry of Health as it relate to accused persons that are admitted to the mental hospital for purpose of psychiatric observation?

- 236 - - 124 - 2.
- 236 - - 124 - 2.

Why accused persons find it difficult or takes up to 7 month or even a year in most instances before they are accessed at the mental hospital if law provides for thirty days for such psychiatric report to be submitted to court after such order of referral has been made?

3.

Have you enquired from the Ministry of Health about the delay which seems to be one of the culprits that continue to infringe on the rights of the accused persons to a fair and speedy trials?

4.
4.

Are you aware that prosecution authorities in Namibia are always at the verge of losing substantial cases when psychiatric reports take long to be submitted before court?

5.

Is there any sanctions against the Ministry of Health that seems to always delay the work of our courts in terms of proper and speedy administration of justice, if yes, what are those sanctions if not why are there no sanction imposed?

6.
6.

We leave in a society of a constitutional democracy were all persons are equal before the law, what is to become of accused persons whose rights are not respected by a governmental institution such as the Ministry of health that continue to delay our courts and contributing to backlog and whose conducts is to avoid speedy trial contrary to the constitutional provisions as it relates to Article 12 of our constitution.
_________________ Question 46 (2022-03-15) Ms. Becker (PDM) asked the Minister of Information and Communication Technology: Telecom Namibia has been inundated with challenges relating to numerous disruptions on its mobile, data and voice services.

These disruptions have seemingly gotten worse over the past two years, and the company seems to be having serious challenges maintaining its infrastructure and effectively rendering its mobile, data and voice services to subscribers.
It is common cause that Telecom Namibia was granted an automatic license in terms of section 45 (1) of the Communications Act 8 of 2009.
The same Act also mandates the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is to “.... determine quality of service standards in the license issued to Telecom ....”, and to further “.... establish procedures for measuring, reporting and monitoring compliance with network and service expansion targets and quality of service standards” in terms of section 45 (3) and (4), respectively.
More importantly, section 45 (5) directs that “If Telecom fails to comply substantially with the mandatory network and service expansion targets or the quality of service contained in its license, the Authority may impose such penalties as provided by section 114 (5) of this Act”.
Section 114 (2) directs that “Any person who provides broadcasting services or telecommunications services or owns or operates a telecommunications network outside the scope of a license or who does not comply with a condition of the license held by that person is liable to a fine not exceeding N$500 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years”.
- 237 - - 125 - It is glaringly clear that Telecom Namibia has fallen short of fulfilling the quality of service contained in its license agreement with CRAN.

The mobile, data and voice services rendered by TN Mobile are consistently being disrupted at the expense of consumers who never get refunded by the company for services not rendered.

Thus I ask the Minister: 1.

Is the Minister aware of this grave situation at Telecom Namibia?

2.
2.

Has the Ministry engaged the management of Telecom and the regulator (CRAN) to ensure that the challenges in network connectivity affecting number of services rendered by Telecom Namibia are addressed?

3.

Is the Minister not of the view that should this non compliance by Telecom Namibia persist , then the regulator should invoke the directives set out under section 114 (2) of the Communications Act 8 of 2009 against Telecom Namibia?
_________________ Question 47 (2022-03-16) Mr. Smit (PDM) asked the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: The Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp recently revealed during an interview with the New Era Newspaper that the Ministry is currently facing a serious under supply of more than 1500 teachers in the secondary education phase (Grade 8 to 12).
The ED further revealed that there is equally an under supply of teachers in the junior primary phase (Grade 4 to 7), and an oversupply of more than 1000 teachers in the junior primary phase (Grade 1 to 3).

These statistics revealed by the ED are puzzling to say the least.
While the Ministry has consistently highlighted that there remains a critical under supply of teachers in the upper primary and secondary phase, thousands of upper primary and secondary education teaching graduates from various institutions of higher learning remain unemployed.
In some instances, upper primary and secondary education graduates have been unemployed and sitting at home for more than three years due to the thousands of posts that have been frozen by the Ministry due to supposed financial constraints.

This has put an enormous strain on the quality of teaching and output on the current teaching complement of the Ministry because those who are employed in the upper primary and secondary education phase have to teach multiple subjects to mitigate the shortfall.
I thus ask the following: 1.

Can the Minister inform this august House as to how many posts the Ministry plans to unfreeze and advertise during the 2022/23 school year in order to mitigate this critical shortfall of teachers in the upper primary and secondary education phase?

- 238 - - 126 - 2.
- 238 - - 126 - 2.

Has the Ministry put any plans in place to root out the prevalence of unqualified teachers employed in the upper primary and secondary phase at the expense of qualified teaching graduates who are sitting at home unemployed?

3.

Lastly the ED expressed concern about the oversupply of teachers in the junior primary phase.
Will the Ministry consider consulting institutions of higher learning to ensure that the output of universities match the job market dynamics of the basic education fraternity in order to avoid the further proliferation of unemployed teaching graduates?
_________________ Question 48 (2022-03-17) Mr. Kavekotora (RDP) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: Minster I would assume that you might recall that since 2017 I have been following development in and around NAMDIA and posed questions to you and your predecessor.
I was informed without proof that the changes to the agreement with De Beers and the subsequent establishment of NAMDIA are anticipated to have a positive impact on the economy of local diamond cutting and polishing factories thereby ensuring a sustainable cutting and polishing industry for the next decade and beyond.

It is also stated that NAMDIA was established as a sovereign vehicle through which to check the prices of our rough diamond in the international markets.
To that effect NAMDIA was to receive a purchase entitlement from NDTC of 15% or a minimum of US$ 115 million of diamond per annum of the total NAMDIA production US$ 115 million is about N$ 2 billion in today’s exchange rate.

Thus I ask: 1.

Since NAMDIA has been in existence for a number of years now, can you provide this august House and the public with a price comparison between NDTC and what NAMDIA fetch for our rough diamond?

2.

What is the relationship between NAMDIA and C- Sixty?
3. Who are the directors of C-Sixty and what process was followed to select C -Sixty?

4.

What activities are or were to be performed by C-Sixty in this relationship with NAMDIA and or the Ministry of Mines Energy?

5.

Can the Minister quantify the value added as a result of the relationship between NAMDIA and C-Sixty?

6.

Can the Minister provide proof to this House and the public that the option your Ministry or NAMDIA took to acquire the services of C-sixty was the best possible option available?

7.
7.

What technical expertise did C-Sixty demonstrate to your Ministry or NAMDIA to justify their appointment?

8.

Minister, can you confirm or deny recent media reports that close to N$ 120 million was paid out to three individuals linked to C-Sixty?
_________________ - 239 - - 127 - Question 49 (2022-03-23) Ms. !Aebes (PDM) asked the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: The Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) currently offers only one registration at the beginning of the school year for its Secondary Education intake.

Hence, learners enrolled NAMCOL only write the end of year October / November national examinations conducted by the Directorate of National Examinations and Assessments (DNEA).
This modus operandi is unsustainable not only for learners enrolled at institutions like NAMCOL, but for the entire basic education sector as well.

Minister.

this practice has ensured that the backlog of learners improving their grades at NAMCOL and similar institutions has continued to increase unabated.
It is untenable that learners who are improving a single subject at NAMCOL and similar have to waste an entire academic year due to the fact that the Directorate of National Examinations and Assessment is only able to conduct one singular national examination for the entire basic education system during October and November of each year.
Therefore, a strong argument has consistently been made by the Management of NAMCOL that it has become fundamentally important for DNEA to hold supplementary examinations for learners upgrading their subjects, particularly those who are improving only one or two subjects.

This progressive move will ensure that learners are able to exit the NAMCOL and similar institutions much earlier and go on to register at institutions of higher learning where registration commences in August.
I therefore ask the Minister: 1.

Has the Minister engaged the Directorate of National Examinations and Assessment (DNEA) on the feasibility and probability of the department conducting mid-year supplementary examinations for learners upgrading their grades at institutions such as NAMCOL?

2.

Apart from the budget constraints, what other impediments is DNEA facing in ensuring that this progressive intervention by the Management of NAMCOL is implemented?

3.
3.

Lastly, does the Minister agree that holding mid-year supplementary examinations for learners upgrading their results at various institutions will greatly assist in alleviating the backlog of retained learners in the basic education system?
_________________ Question 50 (2022-03-23) Ms. !Aebes (PDM) asked the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation: The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) currently only funds students registered for the Tertiary Level and Technical, Vocational Education and Training programmes at the Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL).
The Fund does however not fund learners registered at the institution upgrading their Secondary Education grades due to the fact that they do not have a qualification at NQF Level 4.
- 240 - - 128 - Now, it is widely known that the significant majority of learners who register at NAMCOL come from deeply impoverished backgrounds, and that their parents go through extraordinary measures to ensure that their children get an opportunity to register at NAMCOL with the hope that they will improve their grades and go on to further their studies and improve the socio-economic conditions from which they come from.
The fact that NSFAF is not funding these students is not only an act of discrimination, but it also poses serious challenges to the government’s own objective that access to education should be able easier to all learners within the country.

I therefore ask the Minister: 1.

2.

Is it not about time that the NSFAF considers the funding of learners upgrading their marks at NAMCOL?
Does the Minister agree that the exclusion of these learners from NSFAF funding stands as an act of discrimination against a certain segment of learners?

_________________ Question 51 (2022-03-23) Ms. !Aebes (PDM) asked the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: It is common knowledge that the term of the former Namibian College of Open College (NAMCOL) Board of Governors expired in May 2021.

Thereafter.
Thereafter.

The Minister extended the term of that particular Board of Governors by three (3) months, which subsequently lapsed in July 2021.

The Minister then appointed an interim Board of Governors for NAMCOL which has been acting since then.
It goes without saying that the Minister is fully cognizant of the fact that the absence of a substantive board for Namibia’s leading institution for Distance and Open Learning presents monumental impediments for the effective administration of the institution by its Management.

The Management of the institution cannot be expected to effectively execute its medium to long term vision and mission without a substantive Board of Governors in place.

I therefore ask the Minister: 1.


Why has it taken the Minister this long to appoint a substantive Board of Governors for NAMCOL?

2.

When can we expect the Minister to appoint a substantive Board of Governors for NAMCOL?

3.

Does the Minister agree that in order to ensure that the Management of the NAMCOL is able to execute its mandate effectively, having a substantive Board of Governors is fundamentally important?
_________________ - 241 - - 129 - Question 52 (2022-03-24) Ms. Dienda (PDM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: Towards the end of 2021, the Helao Nafidi Town Council took a resolution to auction off some of the 65 low cost houses build by the Town Council during the 2017/2018 financial year to address the housing shortage in the town.
The auctioning of these low cost houses was sanctioned by the fact that the houses were of such poor quality that they rapidly dilapidated and developed dangerous cracks which makes them inhospitable for human occupation.

This particular housing project by the Helao Nafidi Town Council was nothing short of a monumental squandering of public funds in the most intolerable and impermissible manner, and no one has been held accountable for this wastage since then.
What is even more aggravating is that around fifty-five (55) of these houses do not have access to electricity and water.

In a knee-jerk reaction, the Town Council decided to auction off some these houses in order to avoid the financial implications associated with renovating these houses.

The Town Council argued that auctioning off some of the houses would afford residents of the town an opportunity to acquire their own homes at a much lower rate.
However, no houses have been auctioned off to residents as of yet.

I therefore ask the Minister: 1.

Is the Minister aware of this egregious wastage of taxpayer’s money by the Helao Nafidi Town Council?

2.

If the Minister is aware, what has the Ministry done to ensure that the Helao Nafidi Town Council is held accountable for this?

3.
3.

Last but not least Minister, there is a widely held view by the residents of Helao Nafidi that the planned auctioning of these dilapidated houses by the Town Council only stands to benefit a select few elites at the expense of ordinary residents who actually need these low cost houses.

Is it not prudent that the Ministry considers subsidising the Town Council with capital to renovate these houses rather than selling them to unscrupulous elitist elements at the expense of deserving residents?