21 Jun 2021

North West District councillors have hailed a proposed decentralisation policy.

They gave the policy a nod Thursday, saying it would help improve productivity in their district.

The affirmation came after consultation by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Setlhabelo Modukanele during a full council session in Maun. 

The councillors said the decentralisation policy was long overdue and likely to address their concerns. 

Bojanala ward councillor, Mr Luke Motlaleselelo, said North West District had long requested that the Okavango Sub-district be made a full district and that two sub-districts be introduced in Sehithwa and Shakawe.

Mr Motlaleselelo said councillors covered a large population and in a wide distance due to the district’s wideness.

Councillor for Shakawe East, Mr Lesedi Boy, also said there was need to turn Shakawe   and Gumare to full districts.

He said the Okavango Sub-district, which was headquartered at Gumare, had budgetary challenges since it had to cater for Shakawe as well.

Councillor for Sedie, Mr Kaukapita Kaukapita, also welcomed the policy.

Mr Kaukapita said decentralisation would help the council to be independent and explore other ways of generating funds. 

He said other policies especially those affecting funds generation should also be reviewed.

When briefing the councillors, Mr Modukanele said the plan was for the decentralisation policy to be debated in the July Parliament session.

The policy, he said, would help reduce bureaucracy by giving local authorities power, therefore take services closer to the people. Ends