Namibia is exploring the possibility of entering into a cooperation agreement with Zambia to learn more about how the country is implementing the constituency development fund (CDF) law.
National Council chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha says lessons from the implementation of the CDF law in Zambia will be valuable to Namibia.
An agreement between the National Council and the parliament of Zambia will therefore help facilitate exchange activities between the two parliaments.
Muha made these remarks recently, during a courtesy meeting with the committee on privileges and absences of the parliament of Zambia.
The Zambian delegation is in Namibia on a study visit aimed at exchanging experiences, practices and insights regarding the functioning of both houses of parliament.
Zambia first introduced the CDF in 1995 as an instrument to facilitate the delivery of public developmental goods and services directly to local communities.
Since then, the law has undergone a set of reforms that have seen the community representation structure of the CDF develop, and the policy enshrined in Zambia’s constitution.
The most recent significant changes were made in 2022, which saw an unprecedented increase in the fund’s allocation from K1,6 million to K25,7 million per constituency.
The scope of the CDF was also expanded to include additional components such as youth and women empowerment programmes and locally administered secondary school bursaries.
Muha told the Zambian delegation that the CDF bill, which was initiated by the National Council, has been tabled in the National Assembly and will soon be referred back to the National Council for review.
During the meeting, Muha highlighted the significance of the visit, describing it as a milestone in the relationship between Namibia and Zambia.
He emphasised the importance of the visit in enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of parliamentary processes.
“These exchanges are invaluable, providing an opportunity to learn from each other’s successes and challenges in parliamentary governance,” he said.
He acknowledged the critical role of the parliamentary committees on privileges and absences in ensuring that members of parliament perform their duties effectively.
“This visit provides a valuable opportunity for us to exchange ideas, experiences and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of our respective parliamentary systems,” Muha added.
He noted the continuous commitment to strengthening the friendship between the two nations and their legislative bodies.
“The National Council is excited to exchange with you our experiences, practices and insights regarding the functioning of both houses of parliament. We value the longstanding excellent relationship between Namibia and Zambia since the era of our liberation struggle,” Muha said.
Muha also expressed gratitude for Zambia’s recent assistance during former president Hage Geingob’s funeral.
He reiterated the shared history of friendship and collaboration between the two countries.
“Our countries are united by neighbourhood, a common goal of advancing democratic values, promoting good governance and ensuring the welfare of our citizens. This study visit is a testament to our ongoing commitment to these shared values,” he said.
Deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Malungo Chisangano acknowledged the deep-rooted bilateral relations between Zambia and Namibia.
“Our coming here is a testament of the good parliamentary relations. Several exchange and benchmarking visits have been undertaken between our parliaments over the years,” she said.
“We also appreciate this opportunity to benchmark your parliament on issues relating to members’ privileges and discipline. Through these platforms, our parliamentarians have been accorded an opportunity to share and exchange experiences and best practices on how to effectively deliver on their parliamentary functions to enhance the lives of our respective people.”
- * Sakeus Ikela is a information officer with the National Assembly.
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