Enhancing Local Government Service Delivery in Namibia: A Case Study of Eenhana Town Council

Abstract

Across the globe, local municipal authorities play a significant role in service delivery and ensuring that basic services are provided to the residents. However, over the years, town councils in Namibia have been heavily criticized for poor service delivery. This research study assessed the challenges experienced by Eenhana Town Council in the provision of service delivery to its residents, with the objectives of assessing the impacts of these challenges on the quality of service provided to the residents and recommending strategies for enhancing service delivery in the Eenhana Town Council. The study employs a qualitative research approach with a purposive sample of 7 employees of Eenhana Town Council. The study employed a semi-structured interview guide to conduct face-to-face interviews with seven (7) key Eenhana Town Council employees of Eenhana town to collect data. Content analysis is used to analyse qualitative data. The preliminary findings are such as a lack of funds due to poor revenue collection mechanisms, poor town council planning, and poor infrastructure. Other factors that contribute to poor service delivery are customers who fail or delay paying the town council bills and insufficient allocation of funds from the government. Based on the preliminary findings, it is recommended that the Eenhana town Council management should pay attention to developing council leadership, training of employees, and strengthening revenue collection policies. The Eenhana Town Council should promote effective community engagement for the inhabitants to participate in service delivery initiatives.