Decentralisation is about restoring dignity – Omaheke governor

The call for decentralisation across the country is about restoring dignity, history and changing the mindset of children that opportunities only belong to those living in the capital.

This was said by Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate during the commemoration of the African Day of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development in Gobabis on Friday.

“This year’s theme, ‘Building Resilience Communities Through Inclusive Decentralisation and Equitable Development’, speaks directly to the hopes and struggles of communities here and across the continent of Africa.

“Decentralisation is about restoring dignity to the people and changing the narrative that opportunities belong only to those living in capitals or in well connected corridors,” he said.

This year the event is hosted by Namibia, specifically the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development in collaboration with the African Union.

Nganate said the onus is on them to address historical disparities and to be decentralised as a tool for social inclusion and equitable resource distribution.

“This equitable resource distribution should not only be at national level but also at our local and regional levels. It is important that we also distribute resources equitably to all people within our society,” he said.

The governor called for redoubled efforts to ensure that every Namibian has access to decent housing and social infrastructure regardless of their historical background or location.

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