Hertha-Maria Amutenja
MINISTER of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni has urged government, regional and local authorities to take deliberate steps and measures to foster an environment that will allow local businesses and communities to successfully engage in economic and development activities and contribute to improving their welfare and way of life.
Uutoni made these remarks on Thursday at Okahao in the Omusati region during the commemoration of the Africa day of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development.
According to the minister, Namibia has vowed to uphold the ideals of decentralisation and local governance, acknowledging the crucial role that regional and local governments play in promoting inclusive governance and development as well as driving socio-economic growth.
“It is crucial to remember that decentralisation must take place while giving proper consideration to the Constitution’s provisions, particularly the idea of a unified state and national principles and values,” he said.
He said the Decentralisation Policy is premised on the principle of cooperation and collaboration between the central government and sub-national governments, and calls for alignment and coordination in the design and implementation of policies and strategies on development at all levels of government and society.
“Therefore, the synergy and unity of purpose is crucial for the successful integration and participation in regional and continental trading arrangements such as Southern Africa Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“As we commemorate this Day and given our desire to take full advantage of the Continental Free Trade, government together with regional and local councils in particular need to take deliberate actions and measures to create and nurture an enabling environment for local communities and businesses to successfully engage economic and development activities and contribute towards uplifting their welfare and livelihood.
“As such, let this Day serve to energise us and our sub-national governments to re-commit ourselves to strength public – private dialogues with the local communities and businesses and to address any barriers to investment and trade starting at local levels,” he said.
He added that the central government reaffirms its commitment towards supporting developmental initiatives by and through regional and local authority councils.
“One of the instruments that are being used to harness economic potentials of regions and local authorities is Regional and Local Economic Development. White Paper of 2011, which we are reviewing in order to ensure its continued relevance.
Through our LED programme, we will continue to support and build the capacity of our Regional and Local governments to develop and implement effective regional and local economic development strategies and initiatives with a view to attract and retain investment and business, which are important sources and catalysts for employment and wealth creation as well as economic growth and development.
“Together with other Government Ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, we will also continue to assist local governments to build business sites and premises as well as to access production equipment that offer conducive spaces for trading and boost the productive capacity of our micro, small and medium enterprises,” he concluded.
