The fight against corruption had to start a grass root level and traditional leaders had to make their followers aware of the dangers of corruption, the acting ombudsman, Judge Simpson Mtambanengwe told traditional leaders early this week. During a workshop on the importance of maintaining integrity within traditional communities and authorities held at Oshakati, Mtambanengwe said, good governance was an important pre-requisite for integrity systems throughout society. It was important for traditional leaders to be made aware of corruption and how communities could act against its. The Namibian had to develop zero tolerance for corrupt behaviour, the acting ombudsman said.

The Windhoek municipality will centralise its debt control into one single unit next month, which will be accommodated in the main municipal offices. All debt collection units in the various satellite offices of the City will be closed. According to the strategic executive for economic development and tourism, Mr Hafeni Nghinaamwani, this move will reduce costs, diminish debt backlog and will make debt collection considerably more efficient. Briefing media on Tuesday, he further announced a new rezoning scheme for residential areas

with regard to small businesses operating from private homes. A public awareness process would take place and neighbours had the right to object to business applications. Plans to construct 44 new children’s playgrounds were also revealed with ten already completed by the end of this year.