The Landless People's Movement (LPM) is dissatisfied with the level and progression of decentralisation in Namibia.

The party claims that the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, which is responsible for the decentralisation function, is delaying the transfer of power to local authorities and regional councils.

The political party held a media briefing at Gobabis, where the Africa Decentralisation Day was celebrated. 

LPM Councillor Ivan Skrywer said the government must empower local authorities to drive development and build lasting resilience against the challenges facing citizens.

Skrywer noted that while there has been a lot of talk in public forums, there hasn't been much action on the ground.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed amendments to the Regional Councils Act, which govern the appointment of Chief Regional Officers. 

"He stated that appointments now require prior written approval from the minister based on recommendations from the PSC, as the president may resolve disputes. Now, all of a sudden, consultation with the minister is replaced with prior written approval, totally taking away the power of elected officials. Who, by the way, are paying these officials?" Skrywer asked, further stating that "You can't appoint somebody that you're not paying; that is the order of the day, and it should be the order of the day, and that is not the case with the current proposed amendments."

In her speech during the Decentralisation Day, Deputy Minister Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele stated that the government worked towards empowering Regional Councils and Local Authorities through legislative reforms and reviews, capacity building and fiscal resources. But Nawases-Taeyele said there is still a need to enhance the capacity of local institutions to manage resources effectively and transparently.