City-regional councils: a myth or method for better planning? The case of the Khomas region (Namibia)
Abstract
English: The functions to be fulfilled by regional councils cannot be performed adequately
by the Khomas Regional Council, due to the Council’s lack of funds,
capacity, expertise and experience. The Windhoek Local Authority Council,
in comparison, occupies a very dominant position in terms of size, financial
standing and expertise. At present there is virtually no co-operation between
these institutions. It will be proposed that a ‘city-regional council’ be formed,
which would enable the joint administration of the Windhoek Local Authority
area and the Khomas Region’s urban fringe developments, settlements and
rural areas. It is anticipated that this proposed joint administration for the area
will streamline planning processes and speed up decision-making. Afrikaans: As gevolg van ’n gebrek aan fondse, kapasiteit, kundigheid en ondervinding
kan die Khomas Streeksraad nie die funksies, soos vereis word van streeksrade,
uitvoer nie. In vergelyking hiermee is die Windhoek Plaaslike Owerheidsraad
wat betref grootte, finansies en kundigheid in ’n baie beter posisie.
Tans bestaan daar byna geen samewerking tussen genoemde twee liggame
nie. Daar sal voorgestel word dat ’n ‘stad-streeksraad’ tot stand moet kom
wat die gesamentlike administrasie van die Windhoek Plaaslike Owerheidsraad
se gebied en die Khomas Streeksraad se stedelike randgebiede, nedersettings
en landelike gebiede moontlik sal maak. Die verwagting is dat hierdie
voorgestelde gesamentlike administrasie van die gebied beplanningprosesse
sal vereenvoudig en besluitneming sal bespoedig.