Participatory decision-making in local government

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

Although participatory decision-making is a central concept in Local Government operations, Gobabis Town Council does not seem to adhere to the basic principles that the concept seeks to promote. This scenario negates the very basis of Local government, democratic participation, and self-determination of people at the grass root level. This study was undertaken to verify this proposition so as to usher Gobabis into a new democratic era in line with Namibia's decentralisation policy

In order to carry out research, this thesis adopted an evaluative method that utilised interview, questionnaire, and documentary search techniques. Focus was on community consultation; participation; and the facilitation of information flow among all residents of the town. The study revealed that very little consultation if any takes place in issues of policy initiation and elaboration. Projects and programmes for the town are conceived, debated and approved by Council officials. Residents are only involved enthusiastically in policy effectuation and evaluation. However, these two processes are also centrally controlled and directed. Another interesting finding is that although council debates are carried out in public, council minutes are not made available to residents in the name of confidentiality. This scenario deprives the community vital information on council proceedings and only helps to marginalize them. The whole decision-making scenario is typical of 'pseudo-interaction' that does not augur well for decentralisation

The study recommends that genuine participation should be encouraged and vigorously pursued in Gobabis. Councillors, administrators, and residents should all be committed to the success of this participatory approach to managing local affairs. They should form a new partnership underlined by an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that seeks to improve qualitatively the lives of all the residents