Also known as: Sankwasa · Minister Sankwasa · Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa · minister James Sankwasa · minister of urban and rural development · Hon. Sankwasa · line minister · urban and rural development minister · the Minister of Urban and Rural Development · Sankwasa James Sankwasa · Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa
Minister of urban and rural development overseeing local authority governance, infrastructure, and traditional authority disputes in Namibia.
Rising water levels in the Zambezi River during March displaced residents, caused loss of income, and isolated communities from schools and healthcare. The flooding has also intensified human-wildlife conflict as animals compete for reduced available land, with elephants damaging crop fields in some areas.
2 April 2026 · Informanté →
Rising water levels in the Zambezi River during March displaced residents, caused loss of income, and isolated communities from schools and healthcare. The flooding has also intensified human-wildlife conflict as animals compete for reduced available land, with elephants damaging crop fields in some areas.
2 April 2026 · Informanté →
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has urged the government to rethink flood relief distribution, arguing that assistance should be allocated based on the actual number of people affected rather than households, since "people don't eat as a household; they eat individually." He stressed that relief must include food security measures beyond clothing and temporary parcels and sustain communities until the next farming season, particularly given the severe crop losses affecting the Zambezi Region.
1 April 2026 · New Era →
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa nullified the swearing in of three Right To Shelter Foundation councillors at Gobabis municipality, saying the process was unprocedural and breached the Electoral Act. The minister said candidate lists cannot be changed after an election, and the deputy mayor position will remain vacant until the matter is resolved through judicial review.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development launched its 2025–2030 strategic plan, anchored on sustainable human settlement, effective governance, and regional development. Minister James Sankwasa urged officials to adopt long-term thinking to support Namibia's industrialisation and align with Vision 2030, warning against short-sighted approaches.
26 March 2026 · New Era →
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has called for "courageous intervention" at Rehoboth Town Council, citing massive debts to NamWater (N$145 million) and NamPower (N$140 million), governance failures, and non-compliance with government directives. He warned that services could be suspended by end of May 2026 if the council fails to address the financial crisis, while residents have demanded forensic investigation and accountability from senior officials.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
At Independence Day commemorations in Oshikango, Minister James Sankwasa cautioned that tribalism and corruption continue to divide Namibians and hinder development, despite the nation's freedom being achieved through collective unity. He urged citizens to reject tribal divisions and hold corrupt officials accountable to build a prosperous nation.
23 March 2026 · New Era →
Ohangwena Regional Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa called on Namibians, especially youth, to strive for a united, peaceful, and developed nation at the 36th independence anniversary celebrations, reflecting on historical sacrifices and expressing solidarity with regional partners against imperialism.
22 March 2026 · Informanté →
Residents of Kehemu Sidamenena have endured seasonal flooding for nearly eight years due to the area's natural topography, with water accumulating and damaging homes, businesses, and public health. The article argues that despite repeated reports to the town council, no meaningful intervention has occurred, and questions why similar flooding in wealthier areas like Queens Park prompted swift ministerial action and N$108 million in funding, while this informal settlement remains neglected.
22 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The government has begun a phased project to replace informal settlements with serviced land in Otjiwarongo, starting with water infrastructure in Eie Risiko that has already connected 80 households to taps and water meters. Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa said future phases will include electricity, roads, and sewerage, with plans to eliminate shacks in the area within a year.
19 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents and health professionals in Walvis Bay are demanding government intervention over toxic smoke from illegal tyre burning on state land, with a local doctor reporting increased cases of smoke inhalation and concerns about cancer risk, particularly affecting neighbourhoods like Kuisebmand and Narraville at night. The municipality says its hands are tied because the land is government property, and has appealed to the environment ministry for action.
19 March 2026 · The Namibian →