THE Hardap governor, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, has urged regional heads of government departments and local authority top administrators to cut the "bureaucratic red tape" to accelerate much-needed socio-economic development in the region.

"When we break the red tape, we must do so for a good cause. I hate the bureaucracy because it paralyses development progress," said Hanse-Himarwa in her new year's message to regional leaders at Mariental yesterday.

At the gathering, the regional leaders briefed the governor about achievements and progress on development in their respective constituencies.

Apart from the bureaucracy, "laissez-faire leadership" also hampers speedy implementation of development projects, said Hanse-Himarwa "The more we have a relaxed attitude, [the more] we'll be left behind," she warned.

Hanse-Himarwa also took exception to some regional leaders who deliberately shunned the gathering.

"I see this in a serious light. I did not call this meeting because it's my tradition, but with the authority vested in me by the president. I will deal with those who deliberately undermine my authority," Hanse-Himarwa said angrily.

"I am warning them to refrain from disrespectful behaviour for the sake of development".

Hanse-Himarwa also warned the regional leaders to be vigilant against project consultants, who she claimed are out to let "black contractors" fail when they are allocated government tenders.

"I want the administrative staff to read between the lines. These consultants who are mainly from the previously advantaged people have a long-term plan which is designed and subtly implemented to let fail the previously disadvantaged people," Hanse-Himarwa said.

Against this backdrop, Hanse-Himarwa called on the government to re-look at the model of black empowerment to see that upcoming contractors do not fail.

The meeting was also called to set up a disaster risk management committee.