The Limits of Decentralisation in Urban Zambia

Abstract

Against a background of the expansion of decentralisation across subSaharan Africa and widespread debates concerning the benefits associated with decentralisation, this article analyses the example of Zambia. The paper highlights the "limits" or constraints affecting the success of decentralisation. From detailed research in Ndola, attention is drawn to several issues surrounding the council's inadequate human resource base as well as critical funding constraints which impact upon public service delivery.

Decentralization and Development in Contemporary Uganda

“…By devolving responsibilities for public services to local governments without significant assistance from the central government, decentralization can often lead to pressures on staff not well-equipped to handle their new remit. Indeed, the literature on decentralization in other African countries such as Tanzania and Zambia suggests that decentralization can result in both recruitment problems and the retention of under-qualified and unqualified staff (Hampwaye 2008, Munga et al 2009. Not surprisingly, the same problem has arisen in Uganda, where the MoLG has also noted that local government staff members are often incompetent and uneducated.…”

Decentralization and Development in Contemporary Uganda

“…Indeed, the literature on decentralization in other African countries such as Tanzania and Zambia suggests that decentralization can result in both recruitment problems and the retention of under-qualified and unqualified staff (Hampwaye 2008, Munga et al 2009). Not surprisingly, the same problem has arisen in Uganda, where the MoLG has also noted that local government staff members are often incompetent and uneducated.…”

Has Decentralisation of Forest Resources to Local Governments Really Taken off on the Ground? Experiences From Chongwe District in Central Zambia

“…The role of the state in weakening local governments is also acknowledged by Hampwaye (2008), who argues that in the last two decades, the state has undertaken several actions that have severely eroded the financial positions of the councils. For example, he singles out a systematic reduction in government transfer of grants to councils, sale of council houses at below market value through a presidential directive, exemption of some properties from tax and a government directive for local governments to disinvest in commercial ventures.…”