The sub-national level of government in Namibia experiences governance problems that result in poor service delivery. There is a need to strengthen governance to fast track the provision of basic services to improve the social welfare of the people. Good governance is considered fundamental to effective service delivery to the people. The article argues that the governance principle of public participation is especially critical for improving service delivery at the sub national level. Also of critical importance for effective service delivery is the improvement of governance structures at the sub-national level in Namibia, especially in the Oshana region. Service delivery can only be improved if it is brought closer to communities, through the decentralisation of powers and functions to the institutions of government that are closest to the people. However, in Namibia, basic services such as clean water, sanitation, electricity and