Community participation in sustainable human settlements : the case of Khomas Regional Council

[摘要] This assignment presents the analysis of poor public participation in theKhomas Regional Council where there is a need for popular participation inthe development initiatives and projects. Public participation, allows the publicto participate in programmes and projects through established institutions andstructures. The main objective of the study was to conduct three months'internships to investigate the importance of community participation. Thestudy envisaged assessing the effectiveness of the Council to deliver basicservices such as drinking water, adequate shelter, and sanitation to thecommunity by taking the limited resources into consideration. The study alsoanalysed some challenges the Council is facing in the implementation of thesustainable human settlement projects.The complex and multidimensional nature of public participation is dealt with.As a result, participation can give women and other groups of people who areusually marginalized from the community activities the opportunity to influencedevelopment initiatives in their communities.In terms of design and methodology, the active participation and directinvolvement as well as working with Council's staff and the community atlarge formed the basis of the study. The survey on public participationconducted by Regional Council revealed that absence of public participationpolicy and legislation makes it difficult for Councillors to implement the publicparticipation process. There is lack of information sharing and communicationbreaks down between councilors and residents. Lack of capacity building andresources for Constituency Development Committee members prevails inKhomas region. There is confusion regarding political meetings and there isalso poor attendance to meetings. In addition, the study recommends thatCouncil should forge a constant consultation and collaboration between theRegional Council and citizens. Establish mechanisms and structures throughwhich citizens can initiate voluntary and interested groups to facilitate theirparticipation in the Regional affairs. Create forums for meetings, workshops,seminars and conferences to discuss and debate pertinent issues. Strengthen the capacity of Regional Development Coordinating Committee (RDCC),Constituency Development Committee (CDCs) and other structures.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University