Regional governance in Namibia

The study examines the importance of consultation and communication regarding service delivery in Namibia, with specific emphasis to the Oshana region. The research problem is that inadequate consultation and communication between Regional Councillors and community members takes place, resulting in inequitable service delivery at grassroots level. The research includes a case study that assesses the degree and the extent to which consultation and communication takes place at constituency level in the region. The findings of the research indicate that a great effort has been made by the government and the Oshana Regional Council to address the problem. However, the slow pace under which decentralisation process takes place, hinders this effort and, in fact, leads to unequal service delivery at grassrooots. The study revealed that instruments for consultation and communication and significant autonomy were given to Regional Council. Therefore it is argued that, adequate consultation and communication cannot be realised unless community participation and involvement in the development process of their respective constituencies have been mobilised.

Autorentext

Tuhafeni Helao is Senior Lecturer:Policing, at the Polytechnic of Namibia, Department of Legal Studies. His education include ND.Pub Admin (PoN), B.Admin (UNAM), and MPA (UWC). He has been a police officer for 11 years and has 12 years teaching experience. His interests are policing, and regional and local government management.