MICT and regional councils discuss effective information dissemination methods
A two-day meeting by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) and Chief Regional Officers from the 14 regional councils commenced at Otjiwarongo on Thursday.
The meeting on effective collaboration in disseminating information to the general public was officially opened by the Secretary to Cabinet, George Simataa, who stressed that regional councils are key institutions of governance that are expected to think together and work by sharing information with its stakeholder ministries to the public.
He spoke of whether the public service of Namibia is fit for its purpose, bringing in matters of public servants and the public service charter document.
“Therefore, it is in this sense I would like to say that working in silos affects the public service system, but teamwork and collaborative efforts would benefit the public service and its customers,” he said.
Simataa further stated that since the MICT functions of print media and audiovisual services are decentralised to the regional councils, it will be effective and beneficial to team up with the regional councils in information dissemination.
On his part, MICT Executive Director, Audrin Mathe said the purpose of the meeting is to ensure that a smooth working relationship roadmap is paved with the MICT regional offices.
“We will discuss topics of live-streaming at this meeting, as well as see if such equipment is available at our MICT regional offices,” he said.
Mathe further noted that the live-streaming idea of the regional councils’ activities will become part of the upcoming sixth National Development Programme.
Executive Director in the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Ngidinua Daniel, is also attending the meeting.
He outlined that all government ministries are decentralised to the regional councils, starting with the directorate of education, works and transport, agriculture, land reform, MICT and gender equality functions.
He said several other ministries are at an advanced stage of joining the regional councils.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency