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International Journal of Applied Research
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ISSN Print: 2394-7500, ISSN Online: 2394-5869, CODEN: IJARPF

IMPACT FACTOR (RJIF): 8.4

Vol. 8, Issue 10, Part D (2022)

The linkage between citizen participation and improved service delivery in Chongwe municipal council, Zambia

The linkage between citizen participation and improved service delivery in Chongwe municipal council, Zambia

Author(s)
Lynnet Mukonde, Samuel Obino Mokaya and Peter Kopoka
Abstract
Citizen participation and local democracy have primarily been used in local government authorities to promote and protect rights of citizens and democratic governance. This notwithstanding, the linkage between community participation and issues of governance at a local level raises pertinent questions about the nature of democracy and the skills and strategies for achieving it to enhance inclusive service delivery. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of citizen participation in improving service delivery in local government authorities in Zambia using a case study of Chongwe Municipal Council. The descriptive in nature covering a sample of 150 respondents out of a target population of 141,301 comprising the mayor, councillors, Town Clerk, Directors, active Non-Governmental Organizations and residents. Further, the study used both primary and secondary data. The study collected both qualitative and quantitative data using questionnaires, focused group discussions, interviews, and participant observation. Quantitative data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that only 45% of the respondents are aware about the presence of the WDC and its membership. Further, 70% of the community members indicated that leaders do not involve them in any political, administrative or financial decision-making process. The study found that skills development that could enhance community members' ability to effectively undertake their participatory role is inadequately done by the Council. Further, the study revealed that the constitution had put in a very progressive provision that supported citizen participation. The only challenge is that there is no additional legislation that has been enacted so as to enforce the powers of the community to take the Council into account if not involved in decision-making. In conclusion, there is a strong link between access to information and citizen participation. Further, some community members have very limited knowledge of their right to participate in the decision-making process for improvement of needs-based service delivery. It is recommended that the efforts should be made by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to develop structures and engage in community empowerment to enhance citizen access to information in order to address existing gaps.
Pages: 282-286  |  274 Views  92 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Lynnet Mukonde, Samuel Obino Mokaya, Peter Kopoka. The linkage between citizen participation and improved service delivery in Chongwe municipal council, Zambia. Int J Appl Res 2022;8(10):282-286.
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