Rundu:The president of the Association of Regional Councils (ARC), Matengu Simushi, has called on government ministries yet to decentralise some responsibilities to regional councils to expedite the process. His remarks emphasized bringing government services closer to the people, highlighting this issue during the association's ninth congress in Rundu on Monday.

According to NAMPA, Simushi noted that certain ministries are retaining functions that should be transferred as part of the decentralisation strategy. He explained that decentralisation was designed to empower regional councils with decision-making authority over local matters, rather than centralising all governance at the national level.

Simushi argued that regional councils, by working directly with communities, are better positioned to understand and address local needs and challenges. However, he stressed that effective governance requires councils to have the authority, knowledge, and financial resources to carry out their duties. He stated, "Responsibility without authority and adequate financing undermines effective governance."

The ARC, established in 1995, serves as a platform for regional councils to engage with central government on improving service delivery. Simushi urged congress participants to actively engage in discussions and bring up issues needing government intervention. He noted that presentations from entities like the National Planning Commission and the Directorate of Decentralisation would be beneficial for understanding regional development and function transfers.

He also encouraged attendees to remain throughout the congress, which ends on Wednesday, to avoid missing critical discussions. The event will conclude with electing a new central executive committee, with each regional council nominating a representative to a 14-member committee, followed by selecting a new president and vice-president.

Simushi expressed gratitude to the Rundu Town Council and other stakeholders for their support, particularly acknowledging NamPower as the official sponsor of the congress.