Officials Call for Effective Decentralisation at Waterloo Civic Day

Government officials and local authorities called for effective decentralisation and improved service delivery during the Civic Day Series held at the Western Area Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo.

The engagement, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education under the theme "Next Stop: WARDC Council Hall Waterloo," focused on local government restructuring, citizen participation and bringing governance closer to the people.

Decentralisation Secretariat Director Alex Bhonapha said restructuring should prioritise people's needs over boundaries. He noted that population growth and expanding settlements are increasing pressure on local councils and their ability to provide essential services and public facilities.

He said stakeholders must assess whether councils have the required resources and capacity, adding that restructuring decisions should be guided by development priorities and improved service delivery, with arrangements ensuring communities are well served.

WARDC Chairman Kasho Joseph Holland-Cole raised concerns over rapid population growth in Waterloo and surrounding communities. Referencing the 2021 Population and Housing Census, he said accurate population data is critical when classifying communities and creating new localities.

He called for transparent criteria determining communities' administrative status, noting population figures and residents' needs should guide such decisions, alongside adequate attention, representation and services for the growing district.

Discussions stressed cooperation among government institutions, local councils and communities, strengthening local governance.

Civic Day Series also promoted public participation and dialogue between government officials and citizens on community issues, with speakers agreeing that local governance must respond to population growth and community needs, ensuring effective decentralisation and access to essential services.