A Case for Decentralization in Zimbabwe’s local government system: Challenges and Opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Takudzwa Madzimure
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Colonial Era ◽  
Local Structures ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Effective Service

The issue of decentralization in Zimbabwe’s local government system has been topical since the colonial era. In the post-independence epoch the expectation was that the new majority government would address the centralization of governance which was motivated by racial imbalances. However, decentralization was not achieved as local government was not recognized in the Lancaster House Constitution adopted at independence in 1980. For years this allowed the central government to control all the local government structures in the country. The relationship between local governments and the central government became bitter and tense after the formation of a formidable opposition, MDC, which has been controlling most urban local authorities since its formation. The 2013 Constitution has not improved things either as the central government has not been willing to implement the new law to its latter and spirit. In all this it is the citizens who have been bearing the brunt as there has been poor service delivery owing to the bad relationship between the center and local structures. The study found out that if decentralization is fully implemented in Zimbabwe it has the potential of bringing efficient and effective service delivery, citizen participation, democracy and accountability in the local government system. The paper also makes recommendations on what needs to be done to achieve decentralization in the country’s local government system.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN REGIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR THE HANDLING OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Yurispruden ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 208
Author(s):  
Fahrul Abrori
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Fiscal Decentralization ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Relationship

 ABSTRAKPandemi Covid-19 yang terjadi di Indonesia membuat pemerintah membuat kebijakan-kebijakan sebagai stimulus untuk menjaga kestabilan masyarakat dan perekonomian. Pemerintah pusat memberikan kewenangan kepada pemerintah daerah untuk mengelola keuangan daerah untuk menangani covid-19 di daerah masing-masing. Hal ini disebabkan karena pemerintah daerah lebih memahami kebutuhan daerahnya. Permasalahan yang diangkat Pertama, bagaimana hubungan Pemerintah Pusat dan Pemerintah Daerah dalam pengelolaan keuangan untuk penanganan pandemi Covid-19? Kedua, Apa peran Pemerintah Daerah dalam pengelolaan keuangan daerah untuk penanganan pandemi Covid-19? Menggunakan metode penelitian yuridis normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan dan pendekatan konsep. Hubungan Pemerintah Pusat dan Pemerintah Daerah dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan untuk Penanganan Pandemi Covid-19 yaitu desentralisasi fiskal yang mana. Peran Pemerintah Daerah dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah untuk Penanganan Pandemi Covid-19 yaitu dengan melakukan refocusing kegiatan, realokasi anggaran, dan Penggunaan Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja Daerah.Kata kunci: Pemerintah Daerah, Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah, Pandemi Covid-19 ABSTRACTThe Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia led the government to make policies as a stimulus to maintain the stability of society and the economy. The central government authorizes local governments to manage local finances to deal with covid-19 in their respective regions. This is because the local government better understands the needs of the region. The issue raised first, how is the relationship between the Central Government and Local Government in financial management for the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic? Second, What is the role of local governments in regional financial management for the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic? Using normative juridical research methods with statutory approaches and concept approaches. The relationship between the Central Government and Local Government in Financial Management for the Handling of the Covid-19 Pandemic is fiscal decentralization. The role of local governments in regional financial management for the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic is by refocusing activities, reallocating budgets, and using regional budgets.Keywords: Local Government, Regional Financial Management, Covid-19 Pandemic

scholarly journals The Implications of Centre-local Relations on Service Delivery in Local Authorities in Zimbabwe: The Case of Chitungwiza

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Tawanda Nyikadzino ◽  
Alfred Gwarega Nhema
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Sewer Pipes ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Strategic Role ◽  
And Control ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Effective Service

The area of centre-local relations in local government is a contemporary and topical debate in Zimbabwe. It was on this background that the research on centre-local relations was undertaken with a view to assessing the implications of service delivery in Chitungwiza Municipality (CM). The views of different authorities on centre-local relations were reviewed to further analyse the implications of centre-local relations on service delivery in municipalities. The study triangulated different data collection methods such as key informant interviews, documentary search, in-depth interviews, observation and survey to obtain detailed data on the state of centre-local relations and its implications on service delivery in CM. The findings of the study revealed that centre-local relations between the Ministry of Local Government and the CM are highly centralised. The parent ministry retains overall powers and control over the municipality. The Minister who is supposed to play a strategic role in policy formulation and implementation is involved in the day to day running of the municipality leaving little room for elected councillors and residents in general to determine their own destiny. It has been established that centre-local relations that are supposed to foster independence and autonomy of the municipality has turned into a master-subordinate relationship that has negatively affected service delivery. The study concluded that hyper-centralised governance relations are hindering effective service delivery in the municipality. This has been evidenced by erratic water supply, potholed roads, poor refuse collection and bursting of sewer pipes. The study recommends that the central government through the Ministry of Local Government must grant the municipality more autonomy as a measure of improving service delivery.    

scholarly journals Central-Local Government dalam Manajemen Bencana Pandemi COVID-19 di Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 709-721
Author(s):  
Rumzi Samin
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Central Government ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between the local government and the central government in handling COVID 19 in Indonesia is considered very bad because the existing disaster management is considered slow in breaking the chain of the spread of COVID 19. This study focuses on coordination between the central government and local governments where there are many mismatched statements in determining policies in handling COVID 19 which is confusing in the application of handling this COVID 19 disaster. The research method using a systematic literature review is one approach to the literature review method by describing the procedure for selecting publication criteria and/or literature that is reviewed with the aim of getting a broad picture related to a particular topic or issue. The results of the study indicate the need for principles of interaction between local and central government authorities in the task of handling the COVID-19 disaster that has not used a good disaster management strategy, this is because it does not implement the relationship responsibility principles of central-local government interaction so it is necessary to strengthen communication. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a complicated bureaucratic system in central-local government interactions

scholarly journals Analyzing Relationship Between Internal Auditor Capability and Financial Management Quality: A Study at Indonesia Local Governments

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 302
Author(s):  
Nur Fajri ◽  
Irwan Taufiq Ritonga
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether there is relationship between level of local government internal auditor (LGIA) capability and local government financial management (LGFM) quality. Furthermore, this study also identifies factors affecting the presence or the absence of a significant relationship between LGIA capability and LGFM quality. This research uses in-depth interviews and focus group discussion to identify factors affecting the presence or the absence of relationship between LGIA capability and LGFM quality. The results show that there is no relationship between LGIA capability and LGFM quality. The absence of the relationship is caused by dominant role of Local Government Working Units (LGWU) in the process of financial management; improvement of LGIA capability is not followed by improvement on the roles and services provided by LGIA; and potential weakness in assessment process of LGIA capability by The Finance and Development Supervisory Agency. Findings of this study will assist both central and local governments to evaluate “what went wrong” with their Improvement of LGIA Capability Programs and assist central government to formulate a better policy on relationship and coordination among head of local government, LGWU, and LGIA.This research develops a new method to measure LGFM quality comprehensively. This study also fills gap in the literature exploring the relationship between LGIA capability and LGFM quality, which is still rare at present.

scholarly journals PEMBAGIAN KEWENANGAN PEMERINTAH PUSAT-PEMERINTAH DAERAH DALAM OTONOMI SELUAS-LUASNYA MENURUT UUD 1945

FIAT JUSTISIA ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Rauf Alauddin Said
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Legal Authority ◽  
Government Action ◽  
Legitimate Power ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Constitutional System ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

The concept of the relationship of authority between central and local governments within the unitary state of Indonesia in the context of the widest possible autonomy based on the Constitution of 1945. Whereas, the Republic of Indonesia as a state of law is based on constitutional system so that in every action of law concerning the concept of the relationship between central and local authorities should be established through legislation, whereas in juridical manner of authority is a right and legal authority of government. So, in the concept of the legal state (rechtstaat) all of government action that came from their authority should be based on legality principle. Therefore, the authority which is one form of power has legitimacy (validity), which will be the relationship that authority has a legitimate power. In the legislation related of the division of authority between central government and local government that regulated in Law Number 23 of 2014 on local government is clearly not reflect autonomy broad. Keywords:Authority, Local Government, Autonomy

scholarly journals The State of Local Government and Service Delivery in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Aderonke Majekodunmi
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Level ◽  
The People ◽  
The Social ◽  
Grassroots Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Effective Service

Local government creates an appropriate and conduciveenvironment for the people at the local level through efficient and effective service delivery. The value of localgovernment in a country is inestimable because it is an indispensable arm of government. As a result, the link between the qualities of service that citizens enjoy is very significant. The article examines local government and effective service delivery with special reference to Nigerianlocal governments. It notes that Local government is the closest government<br />to the people at the grassroots level,so it is expected to play significant  roles in providing the social services for the people in order to improve their standard of living. But in Nigeria, the impact of local government is so far limited, especially with regard to improving service delivery. The article observes that  despite the strategic importance of local government to the development process through effective service delivery, there has not been much development in most local governments in Nigeria. The article recommends that  local governments in Nigeria need adequate autonomy that can facilitate their operations and development of the localities through effective service delivery.

scholarly journals Assignment of functions to local authorities in Lesotho

2017 ◽  
pp. 58-74
Author(s):  
Hoolo Nyane
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Intergovernmental Relations ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Community Councils

In Lesotho the adoption of the new constitution in 1993 made provision for local development. These constitutional provisions were only operationalised in 1997 through an Act of parliament (Local Government Act 1997). The question of how functions are assigned between the central and local governments has always been an area of dispute. The Act attempted to demarcate the assignments through the Schedules to the Act which embody the functions of local authorities at various levels – community councils, urban councils and district councils. However, local development and service delivery continue by and large to be undertaken by central government despite the demarcation. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to critically analyse the challenges of assignment of functions to local authorities in Lesotho. The paper contends that as the assignment of functions is integral to decentralisation in Lesotho, intergovernmental relations and assignment of functions should be incorporated into the country’s constitution.

scholarly journals Decentralization: Catalyst for Welfare Service Delivery by Local Government Administration

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Salihu Abdulwaheed ◽  
Khalil Samihah
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Welfare Service ◽  
State And Local

The paper aims to look at the transferring of authorities, resources and responsibilities from one tier of government (central government) to other tiers of government (state and local governments) in order to deliver efficient and effective welfare service. This transfer serves two basic purposes, namely accountability for resource management and effective welfare service delivery. This can only be possible if the system of co-responsibility between institutions of governance at the central, states and local governments is decentralized effectively. Similarly, the paper intends to critically examine local governments’ budget and budgeting system in order to deliver primary education and healthcare service to the public. Therefore, the paper studies the main source of revenue of local governments, and determines how the resources are utilized in providing primary education and healthcare services. The study designs information data sheet to elicit information from at least four local governments in Nigeria. Statutory allocation disbursed to four local governments under consideration for the fiscal year 2008 is considered. Approved annual budget of the local governments is analyzed to determine the differential (%) in terms of what is budgeted and what is the budget outcomes. The findings reveal average differential of 65.78% between approved and actual estimates for primary education, and 37.57% for primary healthcare service in the local government under consideration. This shows that local governments under consideration are not delivering primary education and healthcare services optimally.

scholarly journals Holding governments accountable for service delivery: the local government councils scorecard initiative in Uganda

2019 ◽  
pp. 187-205
Author(s):  
Lillian Muyomba-Tamale ◽  
Kiran Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Social Accountability ◽  
Think Tank ◽  
Demand Chain

Uganda’s Local Government Councils Scorecard Initiative is a strategic social accountability initiative designed to enable citizens to demand excellence of their local governments and enable local governments to respond to citizen demands for effective and efficient service delivery. Begun in 2009, it is one of the signature programmes of Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), a public policy research and advocacy think tank in Uganda. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Uganda Local Governments Association. The centrepiece of the initiative is the local government council scorecard, a capacity-building tool for assessing the performance of district-level elected officials in accordance with roles and responsibilities set out in the Uganda’s Local Government Act 1997 (as amended). Incorporating multiple links in the supply and demand chain of good governance and accountability – citizens, civil society organisations, local government and central government – the administration of the scorecard and dissemination of performance results is grounded in an action research methodology. Follow the positive reception of the initiative after eight years of implementation in Uganda, it is hoped that other countries will look to adapt this methodology to engage in similar types of social accountability initiatives.

Policy for Sustainable Low-Volume Rural Roads in Costa Rica

2003 ◽  
Vol 1819 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Maria Lorena Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Costa Rican ◽  
Road Maintenance ◽  
Rural Roads ◽  
The Road ◽  
Low Volume

The main issues that have been addressed in the Costa Rican government’s policy for low-volume rural roads are discussed. As in most developing countries, providing good roads to support the growing demand for agricultural and tourism activities has been a great challenge, especially in times of important budget limitations. The Costa Rican experience is shared in the hope that it can prove useful in other countries, because its impact has not been limited to just providing better roads; it is also helping to motivate widespread citizen participation and to improve technical and organizational capabilities of the local governments. Because the majority of the rural roads are managed by local governments, whose administrative and technical capacity has been limited in the past, the central government, through the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, has developed a comprehensive policy based on simple technology transfer programs and regulations for these organizations, while at the same time inducing a method of investment planning that requires organized citizen participation. The program, called Participative Road Conservation, has become the center of the government’s policy. Some of the highlights of the program are presented. The strategy of the program has been to give straightforward guidelines in organizational issues of road maintenance at the local government level (including the local road committees), basic technical standards to be followed, and planning methodologies. One of the fundamental principles of the program is the sharing of responsibilities for adequate road maintenance, including financial contributions, among the communities, the local government, and the central government. This policy for sustainable rural roads is making a change in the road maintenance culture of the country. It has required educational programs concerning the importance of roads, the correct way to build and maintain them, adequate control of the work, and so forth. Once the community is involved in planning and rehabilitating a road, it is more likely that the road will not be allowed to deteriorate again. Even children are involved in a program of school patrols. The financial reforms that have been made in Costa Rica to attend to the needs of the national and municipal road systems are also addressed.

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