Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus has urged government offices, ministries, regional councils, local authorities, and public enterprises to exhibit their services with openness and transparency when serving the public.
The minister was speaking at the public sector information sharing session at Opuwo in the Kunene region on Wednesday.
She said the session is an opportunity to showcase their initiatives, to engage directly with the community, and to listen to their needs and concerns.
“I urge you to provide as much information as possible and to interact with the public with an open mind and a listening ear. To the community of Opuwo, I encourage you to seize this opportunity, engage with the various government institutions, and gather all the information you require. Your active participation is invaluable, and your feedback will help us to improve our services and to better respond to your needs,” she said.
The minister said that the success of public service delivery extends beyond decentralisation, as it necessitates an understanding of the practical applications of government services and people’s trust.
This continuous engagement, according to Theofelus, allows civil servants to build trust and improve service delivery through regular, comprehensive feedback.
“Criticism often stems from a lack of effective communication channels. When the public cannot provide feedback or when their concerns are not addressed, mistrust and misinformation can proliferate. By engaging in open dialogues and providing platforms for feedback, we can preempt these issues, improve our services, and foster a culture of accountability and responsiveness,” she emphasised.
She further added that the gathering is a demonstration of commitment to effective governance, transparency and accountability.
She said this is a vital initiative that brings government services closer to people and fosters transparent dialogue between the government and the citizens it serves.
“Our presence here today in Opuwo is not merely symbolic. It is a practical manifestation of our resolve to ensure that every Namibian, regardless of their location, has access to the full spectrum of government services and information. This initiative is crucial for building trust in our public service delivery and for creating a participatory environment where citizens can provide feedback and hold us accountable,” she added.
