scholarly journals Resourcing local government in Ghana: the potential of volunteering to deliver basic services

2021 ◽  
pp. 79-96
Author(s):  
Ronald Adamtey ◽  
Clifford Amoako ◽  
Benjamin Doe
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Social Space ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Self Help ◽  
The People ◽  
Basic Services

Both local and foreign volunteers have been involved in community development activities in Ghana. However, there is a dearth of research on the perceived and real impacts of volunteers in delivering services, reasons for volunteering, the potential of volunteering to supplement the human and financial resources of local governments in Ghana, and the conditions required for more successful outcomes. This qualitative study examined volunteering activities across 15 communities of the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) Municipality in Ghana’s Central Region. It found that volunteering empowered the people, triggered self-help initiatives and improved local people’s knowledge on health and environmental issues. However, there are challenges in finding political and social space for volunteers within the current local government system. The study recommends efforts to address that issue.

Local governance and the crisis of water and sanitation provision in medium-sized urban centres: Evidence from three cities in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 026909422110353
Author(s):  
Kayode J Samuel ◽  
Samuel B Agbola ◽  
Olorunfemi A Olojede
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
The People ◽  
Efficient Delivery ◽  
Essential Services ◽  
Effective Delivery ◽  
Basic Services

Local governance encompasses the involvement of local governments and other community-based organizations in participatory decision-making for efficient delivery of public services. In the developing world, however, the weakness of the local government and local governance has inhibited the efficient and effective delivery of these services. Relying on water and sanitation data and interviews of relevant officials, this study analyses the structure of governance of water supply and sanitation (WSS) at the community levels in selected medium-sized urban centres in Nigeria. Results showed that majority of the city dwellers lacked access to safe water and sanitation, an indication of convoluted, poorly regulated provision regimes and the waning capacity of local governments to galvanize local actions towards the efficient provision and management of these services at community levels. Multiple provision regimes, weak coordinating and regulatory frameworks characterize WSS governance. Further, the sub-national authorities’ encroachment on local government funds which deprived these tiers of government the resources they could have used in providing these essential services presents a major setback. Local governments require financial and constitutional autonomy to provide basic services to the people and supervise and coordinate the activities of other governmental and non-governmental actors involved in service provision.

scholarly journals Citizen Awareness and Satisfaction Survey: The Case of Tumauini, Isabela Philippines

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 5478-5487
Author(s):  
Renejoy M. Bulos
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Public Works ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Citizen Satisfaction ◽  
Satisfaction Index ◽  
The People ◽  
Multi Stage

Local governments in the Philippines are the nearest service units to its citizens. They are expected to deliver quality services to their constituents. As recipients of the different services, citizens are deemed in better position to assess whether quality services are delivered by the different municipalities in the country. In order to address the need to gather citizens’ feedback on the service delivery performance of the local government units (LGU), the Department of Interior and Local Government developed the Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS). The municipality of Tumauini in the province of Isabela is one of the selected LGUs to implement the CSIS project in the country to measure its performance in service delivery for 2018. This study assessed the awareness and satisfaction of the people in Tumauini, Isabela on the services for Public Works and Infrastructure delivered by the LGU. There were 150 respondents selected using the multi-stage probability sampling method. In gathering the data needed, face to face interview was used with the aid of survey questionnaire. Overall, results revealed that citizens of Tumauini are aware and satisfied with the different service indicators of the Public Works and Infrastructure programs. Results of the study may help local government officials in crafting policies and making management decisions to improve the performance of the local government of Tumauini in the provision and delivery of Public Works and Infrastructure services to its constituents.

scholarly journals World local government control and reference value for Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 29-33
Author(s):  
Dang Phuc Vu ◽  
◽  
Thi Thanh Nga Nguyen ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Local Power ◽  
Government Control ◽  
The People ◽  
The Media ◽  
And Control

Control of local governments in countries around the world is very diverse,but mainly divided into two categories: 1) control of state agencies (central government control, court control, control of local power representations); 2) control of social institutions including political party control over local government, control of organizations and public associations, control of the media, and control of the people. The paper focuses on analysing the controlling local governments in some countries, thereby giving reference values for Vietnam.

scholarly journals “No me des el pescado, enséñame a pescar” “Do not hand me fish, teach me how to fish” Community Lawyering in Puerto Rico: Promoting empowerment and self-help

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Myrta Morales-Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Legal Aid ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Development Section ◽  
The People ◽  
The University ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Special Meaning

<p>Law 232 of August 27, 2004 has a special meaning to the people residing in some of Puerto Rico's poorest communities. It was the result of the hard work, during a period of a year and a half, of leaders from some of these communities and my students, the students of the community development section of the Legal Aid Clinic of the University of Puerto Rico’s School of Law. The story of Law 232 can provide insight into what the role of a lawyer can be in the battle against poverty. To understand the story of this Puerto Rican law, one has to go back to August of 2002. During that month the University of Puerto Rico's School of Law Legal Aid Clinic inaugurated its community development section.</p>

Local Multiparty Democracy in Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 92-116
Author(s):  
Nico Steytler
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
National Level ◽  
Ethnically Diverse ◽  
Local Democracy ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The People ◽  
National Leaders ◽  
The Government ◽  
Winner Takes All

This chapter argues that democratic local government embeds the culture of democracy at grassroots: as the government closest to the people, it establishes a culture of responsiveness, transparency, and accountability more readily and effectively than by holding national leaders to account. Local democracy can also be used strategically when a country seeks to move from an authoritarian or military regime to democracy. Furthermore, it provides space for political inclusivity—an argument with particular relevance in ethnically diverse societies, where a winner-takes-all paradigm of competition at the national level typically results in the marginalization of geographically concentrated losers. Finally, local government allows for experimentation in different forms of inclusive politics, be they representative or participatory. However, although most African countries have adopted decentralization policies, the dividends are meagre. Local government is but feebly equipped to play a democracy-constituting role: operating in a constrained constitutional environment, central governments have generally not allowed local governments the opportunity to hold regular free and fair elections and thereby play a role in democratization. Despite these findings, there is also some evidence that on occasion local democracy has indeed played such a role and thus enhanced democratic participation.

Fiscal Federalism and Local Government Finance in Nigeria: An Examination of Revenue Rights and Fiscal Jurisdiction

2002 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 557-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. T. Akindele ◽  
O. R. Olaopa ◽  
A. Sat. Obiyan
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Fiscal Federalism ◽  
Fiscal Discipline ◽  
Severe Problem ◽  
Fiscal Autonomy ◽  
Local Government Finance ◽  
The People ◽  
The Status

The most severe problem facing public institutions in Nigeria is the fiscal one, particularly in local government. This problem has been provoked by a number of factors, including ‘over dependence’ on statutory allocations from both the state and federal governments, deliberate tax evasion by the local citizenry, creation of nonviable local government areas, differences in the status of local governments in terms of the rural–urban dimension, and inadequate revenue and restricted fiscal jurisdiction. This article examines these factors and their attendant problems, implications and effects within the context of the fiscal federalism established by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For financially healthy local governments to exist, responsibilities and functions must be allocated in accordance with their taxing power and ability to generate funds internally. The constitutional provision that recognizes local governments’ power in this regard must give them full freedom to operate and this must be well guaranteed and adequately protected. These measures, coupled with a review of the revenue-sharing formula, the granting of fiscal autonomy and fiscal discipline as well as making local government responsive, responsible and accountable to the people will set local governments free from the fiscal stress promoted and strengthened by the 1999 constitution.

The Separation of Powers in Local Government in Nigeria

1992 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. A. Ebeku
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Separation Of Powers ◽  
Community Action ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Local Resources ◽  
The People ◽  
The Government ◽  
Democratic Nation

In a democratic nation, local government is the government of the people, by the people and for the people at the grassroots levels. That is, the government nearest or closest to the people. It is at the level of local government that community action in respect of community development programmes is most effective; it is also the level where democratic processes and decision-making by consensus are traditionally entrenched; where rivalries and tensions are reduced to a minimum; where local resources and patriotism are easily called to the service of the community; and, very importantly, where the people are normally confident of effective control of their own government.

scholarly journals Sebuah Paradoks : Opini WTP dan Kesejahteraan Rakyat

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-150
Author(s):  
Musahadah Muhtar ◽  
Rustan Amarullah
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Government Expenditure ◽  
Audit Opinion ◽  
The People ◽  
Financial Governance ◽  
Financial Audit ◽  
Internal Side

Unqualified Opinion (WTP) is the audit opinion that will be issued if the financial statements are considered to provide information that is free from material misstatement. This opinion became the dream of all local governments and even become a major performance indicator for the Inspectorate area. Nevertheless, the acquisition of the WTP opinion is still found to be contradictory to the welfare conditions of the people. This study qualitatively seeks to examine the need for an examination of financial governance that also includes indicators of people’s welfare. The hermeneutic method is used to analyze the welfare audit discourse that needs to be carried out by BPK so that each rupiah of local government expenditure is beneficial for the improvement of people’s welfare as well as in harmony with the WTP opinion obtained. The results of the research indicate that BPK needs to include welfare audit in the process of local government financial audit from planning, implementation, to reporting activities that concretely support the achievement of public welfare. Thus, the philosophical management of state/ regional finances is used openly, responsibly, and as much as possible for the welfare of the people can be realized. From the internal side of local government, it is necessary to strengthen the internal control system, as well as strict supervision from the Inspectorate. Keywords: Society Welfare Audit, Hermeneutical, Unqualified Opinion, Government External Audit Abstrak Opini Wajar Tanpa Pengecualian (WTP) adalah opini audit yang akan diterbitkan jika laporan keuangan pemerintah dianggap memberikan informasi yang bebas dari salah saji material. Opini ini menjadi idaman seluruh Pemerintah Daerah bahkan menjadi indikator kinerja utama bagi Inspektorat daerahnya. Namun demikian, perolehan opini WTP tersebut masih ditemukan berkontradiksi dengan kondisi kesejahteraan rakyat. Penelitian ini secara kualitatif berupaya mendalami perlunya pemeriksaan tata kelola keuangan yang juga mengikutsertakan indikator kesejahteraan rakyat.Metode hermeneutik digunakan untuk menganalisis wacana audit kesejahteraan yang perlu dilaksanakan oleh BPK agar setiap rupiah belanja pemerintah daerah bermanfaat bagi peningkatan kesejahteraan rakyat serta selaras dengan opini WTP yang diperoleh. Hasil penelitian menunjukan pemaknaan bahwa BPK perlu memasukkan audit kesejahteraan dalam proses pemeriksaan keuangan pemerintah daerah mulai dari kegiatan perencanaan, pelaksanaan, hingga pada pelaporan yang secara konkrit mendukung pencapaian kesejahteraan masyarakat. Dengan demikian, filosofis pengelolaan keuangan negara/ daerah dipergunakan secara terbuka, bertanggung jawab, dan sebesar-besarnya untuk kemakmuran rakyat dapat diwujudkan. Dari sisi internal pemerintah daerah, diperlukan penguatan atas sistem pengendalian internal, serta pengawasan yang ketat dari Inspektorat. Kata kunci: Audit Kesejahteraan Rakyat, Hermeneutika, WTP, Pemeriksaan Eksternal Pemerintah

scholarly journals Challenges facing local government in Jordan and strategies to address them

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-414
Author(s):  
Mohammad M. Taamneh ◽  
Mohammad Fathi Almaaitah ◽  
Heba M. Alqdha
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Financial Position ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Local Funding ◽  
Purposive Sample

Local governments play an important role in the economic and social development of local services provided to localities. In Jordan, local governments face problems and challenges that impede this development. The purpose of this descriptive study is to investigate the magnitude of challenges faced by local governments using a random sample (251) of mayors and heads of provincial governorates. Qualitative methods with a purposive sample employing twenty in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted to identify the major challenges. After analyzing data using the SPSS, the study pointed out that the lack of financial resources and the lack of independence of local government in managing local funding is another major challenge. The study revealed that environmental protection was the biggest challenge. Responsiveness and public participation are other challenges faced by local governments. Based on the study results, the recommendation and provision of centralized technical assistance are required to maintain environmental protection. However, capacity building for local employees is a must. The critical financial position of local governments needs to be addressed by re- evaluating the share of funds allocated to local units.

scholarly journals STRATEGI MENSINERGIKAN PROGRAM PENGEMBANGAN MASYARAKAT DENGAN PROGRAM PEMBANGUNAN DAERAH

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akmaruzzaman ◽  
Sumardjo ◽  
Himawan Hariyoga
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
The Government

Natuna regency is a rich area of natural resource products, but still includes underdeveloped areas in Riau Islands Province. Local governments have to make fundamental changes in building the infrastructure aspects, economic, and human resources to eliminate underdevelopment and reduce dependency on central government. The aims of this research are: (1). to evaluate the effectiveness and stakeholders’ perception of the CD program, in terms of participation and partnership; and (2) to formulate a strategy for synergizing the CD Program of Star Energy with the local government’s development program. The analytical methods that are used in this research are descriptive analysis and SWOT analysis. This research was undertaken in Palmatak Sub District and Siantan Sub District of Natuna District of Kepulauan Riau Province, from June until October, 2008. The results indicated that the government stakeholders perceived that the participation of the CD program’s beneficiaries was adequate, and that the partnership between Star Energy and the local government was inadequate. The result of SWOT analysis suggested that Star Energy needs to focus its CD program on sustainable activities, such as economic development and education programs. The strategy for increasing synergy with the local development programs is to intensify communication between the company and the local government through the formation of community development partnership forum.Keywords: Community Development (CD), Effectiveness, Policy Strategy

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