CoW, NCS, Unam in partnership

By Michael Uugwanga

THE City of Windhoek has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Namibian Correctional Service (NSC) and the University of Namibia (Unam) whose main aim is to structure and establish a framework for cooperation between the parties on areas relating to municipal, academic and correctional services.

Areas of focus will be on sharing of infrastructure, joint projects, training, capacity building, information exchange, sharing of expertise in various fields, provision of services, rehabilitation, sports, cultural activities, economic advancement, adequate housing, urban agriculture and food, security and smart technology.

Unam vice chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu said the partnership holds great potential to develop an ideal model for urban development for all local authorities not only in Namibia, but for the rest of the continent.

“From the university side, we will appoint a coordinator for this partnership who will work with a counterpart at the City of Windhoek to develop an action plan with a metric to measure success on the joint collaborative areas,” said Matengu.

NCS Commissioner-General, Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela said, “Although resources might to some extent be financial, more importantly, we will be sharing information, knowledge, ideas and human capacity. In order for us to achieve our vision which is to be Africa’s leader in the provision of correctional services, it is key that we formally partner with stakeholders.”

The Mayor of Windhoek, Fransina Kahungu, deputy mayor Ian Subasubani and CoW Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kahimise were also in attendance at the signing ceremony.