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Vigilance key in curbing cyber crimes

illicit land dealings can weaken oversight mechanisms and accountability within municipalities

It goes without saying that there is a strong correlation between slow land delivery and corruption within municipalities, in Namibia as is the case elsewhere in the world. Slow or inefficient land delivery processes often create opportunities for corruption to thrive, as individuals and businesses may be incentivised to bribe officials to expedite the process or to circumvent regulations. 
Conversely, corruption can hinder land delivery by creating delays, inefficiencies, and inequitable access to land as it can lead to bureaucratic hurdles and delays in processing land applications, making it difficult for individuals and businesses to obtain land for development or housing.
This further leads to unequal access to land, where those with connections or the ability to bribe officials can obtain land more easily than others - as those in power may tend to exploit the system for personal gain. 
Also, illicit land dealings can weaken oversight mechanisms and accountability within municipalities, making it easier for officials to operate without detection or consequence. As a result, this lack of transparency in land transactions and processes can hide any form of fraudulent conduct and make it more difficult for the public to hold officials accountable, this in turn leading to the erosion of public trust in municipal authorities that breeds increased social tensions and unrest. 
However, it is not all doom and gloom for Namibian local authorities as this situation can be mitigated. One way to mitigate such operations and their impacts at municipalities is to strengthen governance and accountability through the implementation of strong governance systems, transparent processes, and robust oversight mechanisms that can help reduce opportunities for corruption and increase accountability. 
The promotion of transparency and public participation in land transactions and processes, involving the public in decision-making, and providing access to information can also help build trust and accountability. 
This, in addition to the streamlining of land registration, planning, and development processes, as this can reduce opportunities for corruption and make it easier for individuals and businesses to obtain land. 
Moreover, enforcing anti-corruption measures is a must. This includes giving a new set of teeth to the Anti-Corruption Commission through stronger anti-corruption laws, the prosecution of corrupt officials, and promotion of accountability. 
In the words of our current Head of State, corruption is tantamount to treason and should be shunned at all levels of governance.

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