WINDHOEK, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Some Namibian politicians who were promoted to the positions of deputy ministers could not be reached on their mobile phones Monday evening.
A displeased President Hage Geingob told the media Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of 10 deputy ministers at State House in Windhoek that it was a bad start.
Geingob said his office called the promoted politicians to talk to them before they get their letters of appointment but none of them was available.
"That's a bad beginning already. Government is giving you your cellphones. It's not for business, it should be reached wherever you are," Geingob said.
Geingob, who has declared 2018 the year of reckoning, said the swearing-in ceremonies were not a joke.
"This is the year of reckoning. You will be sworn in today. You can get out tomorrow too," Geingob warned.
In his New Year's statement, Geingob said the government would be more transparent and accountable to improve service delivery to the people, especially those in the rural areas.
He also said priorities would be land delivery and connecting more Namibians to essential services, such as water, sanitation and electricity.
Geingob also pledged to initiate infrastructure development projects, including airports, ports and rail developments and upgrades.
On Feb. 8, 2018, Geingob reshuffled his cabinet, reassigning some ministers and appointing others.
The reshuffle came weeks after the dismissal of Jerry Ekandjo, former youth minister and Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, former home affairs minister.