Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) interviewed the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Windhoek about the achievements and changes brought about by the recently concluded Parliamentary Support Programme (PSP).

On the 26th of July 2017, the NBC held an interview with the EU Delegation in Namibia about the successes and outcomes of the EU funded Parliamentary Support Programme (PSP), which came to an end this year. The request was in view of the SADC-EU Media Network's aim to create awareness on EU activities in SADC countries.

Mr Theobald explained that the EU supports the governance sector and together with the Namibian side it was agreed to support Parliament (Upper and Lower House) to further develop and strengthen their capacity and oversight function. Some of the key achievements include the digitization of Namibia's laws that can now be accessed by everybosy that has internet - as well as the digitization of the DEvelopment Budget. Members of Parliament, Regional Governors and constituency representatives are now able to see which projects are being implemented in their respective regions.  Being able to access the Development Budget in an easy and user friendly way promotes transparency in terms of being able to follow developments that are carried out in the country and to take informed decisions.

"The PSP is a very unique programme for the EU and we consider it a great success. We have learnt from the Speaker of Parliament and other stakeholders how meaningful this programme and especially the digitized Development Budget is to them" said Markus Theobald.

The PSP was funded by the EU with over EUR 1,7 million during the period 2012-2017. The main mandate of the programme was to strengthen the contribution of Parliament to the poverty reduction agenda by enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness.