Smaller Is Effective
I CONCUR with the demarcation recommendations and submission made to Delimitation Commission by the Mashi Traditional Authority leaders and others. What we need to look at in this case are the intended objectives and benefits to be achieved.
So far the current system has been struggling to deliver not because of incompetency but due to the vast area of operation. It is a known fact that smaller constituencies are easier to manage and thus will enable the councillors and chiefs to identify relevant solutions to political, economic and social challenges given the dimension of the constituency. The purpose is to attract community participation in developmental activities, success, and speedy response to challenges and greater attention to finding solutions.
As I went through the article in the newspaper, I could not see any substantive rationale why this idea should not materialise. Perhaps what is needed is not a correct answer but rather a correct question. And thus the Delimitation Commission should ask those who are against delineation to substantiate their objection in relation to NDP4 [National Development Plan Four], effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery?
I believe this noble idea is in agreement with our NDP4, rural development policies and community development which are in favour of our economic growth and development. Looking at the demography of the concerned constituency, it is way too messy for one councillor to manage. The vastness of constituencies has a negative impact on the performance and prompt service delivery which defeats the sense of urgency and explicit commitments.
Demarcation means more job creation and empowerment of communities. For example if we take the Khomas Region where we have competent municipalities and other development agencies but, still demarcated into small manageable constituencies, for sure an objection to this submission is an objection to NDP4.
The key driving force of this idea is to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of community and have a sustainable development system.
The demarcation would attract the need to deliver plans more quickly and efficiently and to find nimble ways to respond to pressing issues during the plan-making process.
It would reduce the travel expenses and the councillor will be accessible to the community, to this effect he/she will experience what they are going through and will be equally affected which will necessitate him to deliver. This will enhance communication and problem solving.
The demarcation of the Linyanti and other constituencies in this sense would mean a creation of effective and efficient structures which will focus its effort on service delivery and development due manageable area of operation. This recommendation has nothing to do with tribalism but has everything to do with fast tracking development and enhance services delivery, to make administrative structures participative, efficient and solution oriented.
It is against this backdrop that I support the demarcation of the Linyanti and other constituencies. The benefits and advantages of this idea go beyond tribal and regional bounds. If we want development this is but one step into such waters.
Name withheld on request
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