Local authorities are underfunded and ill-equipped to deliver essential services, prompting a lawmaker to push for a legally binding funding model from the national budget.
Swapo member of parliament and former Kunene governor Marius Sheya has given notice of a motion calling for the classification of local authorities to be reviewed and mandatory funding for their development and administration to be introduced.
In his motion, tabled on Wednesday, Sheya argues that local authorities are at the forefront of service delivery, dealing directly with bread-and-butter issues affecting citizens and social cohesion, yet remain the least funded and capacitated level of government.
Namibia’s local authorities comprise part ome and part two municipalities, town councils and village councils, but Sheya argues that the classifications lack clear definitions and criteria.
“Local authorities rely heavily on rates and taxes, which are difficult to sustain amid high unemployment, limited investment, low economic activity and stagnant local economies,” he says.
Sheya believes parliament has an opportunity to establish clear classification criteria and a sustainable funding model that ensures transparent and equitable financing from the national budget.
He is set to motivate his motion next Tuesday, seeking its referral to the relevant parliamentary standing committee for further consideration and recommendations.
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