The study examines the role of Regional Councillors in consultation and
communication regarding rural service delivery in Namibia, with specific
reference to the Oshana region. The research problem of this study is that
inadequate consultation and communication between Regional Councillors and
community members in the Oshana region takes place. The research includes a
case study that assesses the degree and the extent to which consultation and
communication takes place between Regional Councillors and community
members at constituency level in the region. It also examines the inevitability of
consultation and communication concerning basic services provision such as
water and electricity in the Oshana region.
The primary focus of this study is to examine and assess the role of Regional
Councillors in consultation and communication regarding rural service delivery in
the Oshana region. The secondary objectives are: to establish theoretical
framework for consultation and communication regarding rural service delivery in
regional governance, to develop findings by interpreting data collected in the case
study. Finally, to draw conclusions and provide recommendations that could help
readers, Regional Councillors and community members in understanding the
situation in the Oshana region.
The research is literature-based and drew on both primary and secondary sources
to address the research problem. Primary sources such as the Constitution of
Namibia, Regional Councils Act 22 of 1992, Local Authorities Act 23 of 1992
Traditional Authorities Act 17 of 1995 and Council of Traditional Leaders Act 13
of 1997 were reviewed. Secondary sources which include academic books, reports
and newspaper reports were used to support the above-mentioned statement.
Structured interviews and informal discussions with community members,
observation of community meetings where Regional Councillors were present and
research schedules in an interview situation with community leaders were
conducted. Questionnaires were handed and completed by Regional Councillors.