The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is hosting a five-day workshop with all 14 regional councils and delegating line ministries to look at the revised decentralisation procedure manuals and guidelines on finance, human resources, and asset management.

Godwin Sikabongo, Director of Decentralisation, informed the workshop participants that the current manuals were developed a long time ago and do not fit in today’s era, hence the review and adjustments.

He further assured the participants that the revised manuals were submitted and endorsed by the relevant institutions, such as the Ministry of Finance and Office of the Prime Minister.

Moreover, Sikabongo said the manuals were meant to help manage a smooth transition process, and the meeting is to have a collective reflection for a common understanding of the guideline.

Namibia's decentralisation policy was adopted in 1997 to give more power to local authorities and regional councils, also with the aim of bringing services closer to the people.

So far, five ministries (Information and Communication Technology, Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Works and Transport, and Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare) have delegated functions to the respective regional councils across the country, pending devolution.