The paradox of decentralization in Namibia
Abstract
Abstract provided by author
It is the purpose of this study to demonstrate that the government of Namibia has been seeking to adopt structures and procedures that will contribute to the realization of general national development. Decentralisation in any country takes place in a political context and its implementation assumes some political significance, as it is not merely a matter of centralization or decentralization of government functions and procedures, but both centralization and decentralization tendencies exist and reinforce each other in practice. This study argues that the dynamic features of decentralization and its implementation in Namibia have been shaped by central government's view, through the ministry of regional and local government and housing, of the concept decentralization
The objectives of this study are to provide a critical understanding of the theoretical foundation of the concept decentralization; to examine the models of decentralization adopted and implemented by Uganda and Zambia with a view to assessing their relevance for Namibia and vice versa; and to investigate and determine the administrative/institutional factors that have played a role in the implementation of the policy on decentralization in Namibia in general, and in the Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Otjikoto regions in particular
The case-study method was used as it allowed the use of multiple data sources, namely, documentary analysis, personal interviews and observation. Thus, the interactions and relations between institutions and various stakeholders regarding the policy of decentralization and its implementation were examined in both primary and secondary data. The study concludes, inter alia, that the progress made in the implementation of the decentralization policy in the Omaheke, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions was painfully slow as a result of a number of constraints which include inadequate co-ordination, administrative inertia, a shortage of skilled human resources, inadequate central government guidance, and inadequate financial and other resources.
It is the purpose of this study to demonstrate that the government of Namibia has been seeking to adopt structures and procedures that will contribute to the realization of general national development. Decentralisation in any country takes place in a political context and its implementation assumes some political significance, as it is not merely a matter of centralization or decentralization of government functions and procedures, but both centralization and decentralization tendencies exist and reinforce each other in practice. This study argues that the dynamic features of decentralization and its implementation in Namibia have been shaped by central government's view, through the ministry of regional and local government and housing, of the concept decentralization
The objectives of this study are to provide a critical understanding of the theoretical foundation of the concept decentralization; to examine the models of decentralization adopted and implemented by Uganda and Zambia with a view to assessing their relevance for Namibia and vice versa; and to investigate and determine the administrative/institutional factors that have played a role in the implementation of the policy on decentralization in Namibia in general, and in the Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Otjikoto regions in particular
The case-study method was used as it allowed the use of multiple data sources, namely, documentary analysis, personal interviews and observation. Thus, the interactions and relations between institutions and various stakeholders regarding the policy of decentralization and its implementation were examined in both primary and secondary data. The study concludes, inter alia, that the progress made in the implementation of the decentralization policy in the Omaheke, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions was painfully slow as a result of a number of constraints which include inadequate co-ordination, administrative inertia, a shortage of skilled human resources, inadequate central government guidance, and inadequate financial and other resources.
Description
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration
Keywords
Decentralization in government