President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urges strict compliance with law at inauguration of Kavango West Civic Affairs office
By TUW
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for strict adherence to legal requirements in the issuance of national documents, warning that granting citizenship or identification to unqualified individuals is a criminal offence. She made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the official inauguration of the Kavango West Civic Affairs Regional Office in Nkurenkuru on Thursday.
The President said the new facility is expected to improve service delivery in the region, adding that Government remains committed to ensuring that all citizens, including those in remote and vulnerable communities, have access to essential civic services through outreach programmes and improved infrastructure.
She noted that Nkurenkuru is a rapidly developing town with increasing economic activity, which is likely to attract more people to the area and result in a higher demand for national documents and travel permits. According to her, the establishment of a modern and well-equipped office will help the Ministry respond more efficiently to the growing needs of residents.
Addressing past challenges, the President acknowledged that staff shortages had previously been worsened by poor working conditions, but said the new building should provide a better environment for employees and allow the Ministry to strengthen services, including immigration control in the region.
She also highlighted the importance of timely birth registration, saying Government has introduced measures such as hospital-based registration offices and provisions allowing mothers to register children under their own surnames when fathers are absent. She stressed that mothers should not leave health facilities without registering their babies, noting that the service is free of charge.
The President further instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security to work closely with marriage officers and the Judiciary to ensure that marriages, divorces and other vital events are properly recorded, as accurate records are essential for national planning.
In addition, she directed that information about requirements for national documents must be communicated widely in local languages so that citizens clearly understand the procedures to follow.
She concluded by urging residents of Kavango West and officials stationed at the new office to take pride in the facility and use it responsibly in the interest of improving public service delivery.
