Dear Editor,
I note the newspaper reports of the government’s effort to get its social cohesion programme up and running. One report, for example, informs us of a programme to train 700 social cohesion advocates to foster unity within communities. All well and good.
But the multitude of complaints and conflicts with regards the work of municipalities, RDC’s and NDC’s over the last several months alone suggests that the more pressing crisis within communities is the lack of good governance (inclusive of good management). Even based on the letter columns alone, one gets the sense that communities are more concerned (and frustrated) with the performance of local government organs and the attitudes of local councillors. Corruption is most likely pervasive. Community consultations appear to be sporadic or absent. Basic services are poorly delivered. Prolonged personality and political clashes seem a norm. Several councils are accused of being unresponsive.
The government needs to urgently replant good governance front and centre of its governing philosophy. Such an approach is more likely to deliver tangible benefits that people can actually see and experience. As a start, the Department of Social Cohesion should recognize the fact that without the other aspects of good governance (such as participation of people, and responsiveness and transparency of governing bodies), social cohesion programmes cannot get far. The government must also see the Local Government Commission as part of the effort to address this more pressing crisis.
Yours faithfully,
Sherwood Lowe
