Sankwasa warns against power struggles in decentralisation

Patience Makwele Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has warned against political and administrative power struggles as the government rolls out the decentralisation of youth and sporting functions to regional councils. Speaking at the official handover launch in Otjiwarongo on Wednesday, Sankwasa said tensions between governors, regional councils and decentralised staff could affect the success of the programme if reporting lines and responsibilities are not respected. “What is remaining there is their salary.

Your operation, your supervisor is now the regional council,” Sankwasa said, referring to staff transferred from national ministries to regional structures. The government has officially delegated youth empowerment, sports promotion and development planning functions to all 14 regional councils.

A total of 327 staff members are expected to be seconded during the transition. The decentralisation process is aimed at bringing services and decision-making closer to communities. Sankwasa said previous decentralisation efforts exposed confusion over authority and governance within regional structures.