Khomas launches public participation programme

THE Governor of the Khomas Region, Sophia Shaningwa, launched the implementation phase of the Khomas Regional Council’s strategy on public participation last week.

The process is to be implemented by all 13 regional councils. Shaningwa was joined by French Senator Louis Duvernois and French Ambassador to Namibia Phillipe Bossiere, representing the French government’s support in implementing the project.The project aims to speed along the decentralisation process under the guidance of the Directorate of Decentralisation Coordination.Shaningwa said greater public participation would enhance the credibility of regional government and establish a closer relationship between councillors and their constituents.Community projects would also be developed.”For example, why not have an HIV-AIDS sensitisation project by our people for the people?” Shaningwa suggested.Duvernois emphasised that public participation would greatly enhance the democratic process, and added that the same process was going on in France at the moment.The project will cost between N$300 000 and N$400 000, of which about N$70 000 was spent on a public survey.Shaningwa was joined by French Senator Louis Duvernois and French Ambassador to Namibia Phillipe Bossiere, representing the French government’s support in implementing the project.The project aims to speed along the decentralisation process under the guidance of the Directorate of Decentralisation Coordination.Shaningwa said greater public participation would enhance the credibility of regional government and establish a closer relationship between councillors and their constituents.Community projects would also be developed.”For example, why not have an HIV-AIDS sensitisation project by our people for the people?” Shaningwa suggested. Duvernois emphasised that public participation would greatly enhance the democratic process, and added that the same process was going on in France at the moment.The project will cost between N$300 000 and N$400 000, of which about N$70 000 was spent on a public survey.