Vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored the importance of quality service provision by entrusted staff members to the citizens of the country.
Nandi-Ndaitwah says a government can have the best policies on paper of how to meet the needs of the citizenry, but if those entrusted with the task are not committed to performing their duties diligently, it becomes a futile exercise.
She made the remarks at Keetmanshoop on Friday, during the inauguration of the new //Kharas regional home affairs and immigration offices.
“The government of Namibia is committed to improving lives through infrastructure development.
Because this is the manner in which we bring services closer to the people, we ensure true unity in diversity, where all Namibians live together in harmony,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The //Kharas regional home affairs and immigration office construction started about 11 years ago, and cost N$47 million. The building houses the department of civil registration and the department of immigration control and citizenship.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Swapo-led government has been delivering infrastructure across the country, from roads and offices to schools, health facilities, and access to water, electricity, and communication networks.
“This ensures equal treatment for all communities, helping people appreciate and protect our hard-won independence. It is also to make sure that no one or any community is left behind. Therefore, I’m asking you to recondition yourself to serve your community with patriotism,” said the vice president.
The new regional office will provide essential national documents and strengthen immigration control.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also highlighted the significance of registering births at hospitals to prevent future cases of undocumented individuals.
Birth registration provides vital statistical data that informs policy and planning at both a national and international level.
During this year, the ministry launched a countrywide drive to issue national identification documents, especially for specific groups, such as those in hard-to-reach areas, vulnerable communities and schools across the 14 regions of the country.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security announced that a total of 34 802 Namibians have acquired national documents since the introduction of its mass registration initiative for national documents. A total of 15 382 first-time birth certificates and 19 239 new ID cards issued.
As part of the mass registration campaign countrywide, the ministry made provision to exempt at least 500 people per constituency from paying fees for birth certificates and ID card duplicate applications.
National documents are necessary for one to access services such as education, employment and social grants.
“It’s our national responsibility to ensure that all children born in Namibia are registered.
Parents, especially mothers, must make sure they obtain a birth certificate before leaving the hospital,” she urged.
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