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CERTIFICATION
The undersigned certify that he has read and hereby recommends for acceptance by the
Institute of Public Administration the research report entitled An Assessment of Local
Government Performance to Services Provisions in Zanzibar, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the Diploma in Human Resource Management.
………………
Khamis Msellem Khamis
(Supervisor)
Date …………….
ii
DECLARATION
We Ithna Kassim Saleh, Khadija Abubakar Moh’d, Kombo Mcha Kombo,
Mwanabaraka Ame Juma, Najma Yahya Issa and declare that this research is our
own original work, except for quotations and citation which have been duly
acknowledged. We also declare that it has not been previously, and is not concurrently
submitted for any other diploma at the Institute of Public Administration or at any other
institution.
……………….
Name Ithna Kassim Saleh
Date …………………….
……………….
Name Khadija Abubakar Moh’d
Date ……………………
………………
Name Kombo Mcha Kombo
Date ……………………
………………
Name Mwanabaraka Ame Juma
Date ……………………
………………
Name: Najma Yahya Issa
Date……………………
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It has become the willingness of almighty ALLAH, the Merciful, and the Most
Gracious to finalize this research.
We would like to express our heart-felt appreciation and gratitude to our supervisor Mr.
Khamis Msellem Khamis for his critical reading, painstaking guidance, suggestion and
constructive comments since the beginning of this study. We also extend the words of
thanks to the Institute of Public Administration and tutors for the knowledge they fed us
and advice throughout the period of our study.
We are obliged to thank our families for the financial and moral support of our
scholarly candidatures. The sincere and selfless cooperation from our fellow students in
Diploma of Human Resource namely, Abubakar Abdallah Said, Thamrat Khamis Seif
and Mussadiq Ali Issa is highly acknowledged. May the blessings of almighty Allah be
with them and all who participated to our success in one way or another.
iv
COPY RIGHT
All rights reserved, no part of this work may be produced, stored in any retrievals
system, or transmitted from any means e.g. electronically, mechanic photocopying,
recording or otherwise without prior permission of the copy right owners
v
ABSTRACT
This study aimed at investigating the local government performance in providing
services in Zanzibar society. We specifically assessed how the local government did its
operations on fulfillment of their responsibilities on providing services.
The present study established that central government provides support to local
government, such as funds and equipments. On other hand local governments face a lot
of challenges such as transport and unskilled workers. Also in the local area the society
is unaware of the local government responsibilities. This in fact causes contradiction in
getting the services.
We share our views to the concerned authorities that there is a need to distinguish
between the responsibilities of central government and those of the local governments.
This will increase the effectiveness and efficiency in services provisions to the society.
At this juncture, the central government can also focus in developing human resource in
these local administration offices, so that they can be good service providers.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION .......................................................................................................... i
DECLARATION ............................................................................................................ ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................... iii
COPY RIGHT ............................................................................................................... iv
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................... v
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... viii
LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................... ix
LIST OF ABRIVIATIONS ............................................................................................ x
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Overview ................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background Of The Study ...................................................................................... 3
1.1.1 Local Government in East Africa .................................................................... 3
1.1.2 Performance of local government in African countries. ................................. 5
1.1.3 Local Government System in Zanzibar ........................................................... 7
1.1.4 Governance structure ....................................................................................... 9
1.2 Statement Of The Problem ..................................................................................... 9
1.3.0 Objectives. ..................................................................................................... 11
1.3.1 General Objectives. ....................................................................................... 11
1.3.2 Specific Objectives. ....................................................................................... 11
1.4 Research Questions. ............................................................................................. 11
1.5 Significance Of The Study ................................................................................... 12
LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................ 13
2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Theoretical Literature. .......................................................................................... 13
2.3 Empirical Framework ........................................................................................... 15
METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 19
3.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 19
3:2 The Study Area ..................................................................................................... 19
vii
3.3 Research Design ................................................................................................... 19
3.4. Questionnaire Design .......................................................................................... 20
3.5 Sample Size .......................................................................................................... 20
3.6 Data Collection Methods. ..................................................................................... 20
3.7 Analysis Of Documents ........................................................................................ 20
3.8. Questionnaires ..................................................................................................... 20
3.9 Validity and Reliability ........................................................................................ 20
3.10 Data Analysis ...................................................................................................... 21
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION ................................................................................. 22
4.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 22
4.1 Demographic Information Of Respondents .......................................................... 22
4.1.1 Gender of the Respondents ............................................................................ 22
4.1.2 Age of the Respondents ................................................................................. 23
4.1.3 Education Level of the Respondents ............................................................. 25
4.1.4 Marital Status ................................................................................................. 26
4.2 Research Findings ................................................................................................ 27
4.2.1 Local Government performance in providing services ................................. 27
4.2.2 Challenges affect local government performance. ........................................ 28
4.2.3 The contribution of central government ........................................................ 29
4.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 29
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................. 31
5.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 31
5.1 Summary ............................................................................................................... 31
5.2 Limitation Of The Study. ..................................................................................... 31
5.4 Recommendations ................................................................................................ 32
5.5 Areas For Further Study ....................................................................................... 32
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 33
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................... 36
viii
LIST OF TABLES
Tables Page
4.1 Gender of the respondent 22
4.2 Age of the respondent 23
4.3 Educational level 24
4.4 Marital status 25
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figures Page
1.1 Structure of the local government in Zanzibar 9
4.2 Gender of the respondent 22
4.3 Age of the respondent 23
4.4 Educational level 24
4.5 Marital status 25
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LIST OF ABRIVIATIONS
CSOs Civil Sociaty Organization.
DPSF Decentralization Policy Strategy Framework.
IPA Instute of Public Administration.
LGFC Local Government Finanial Commission.
LPSIP Local Government Sector Investiment Plan.
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation.
NCOP National Council of Provinces.
ULAA Uganda Local Authorities Association.
ULGA Uganda Local Government Authority.
ZMC Zanzibar Manicipal Council.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Overview
Local government's authority springs from its elected basis, a factor which also
facilitates considerable variation in its behavior both between and within countries.
Structure of local government in Europe is generally multitier. For instance, in
Federation of Germany below the state-levels, there are found two tiers of local
governments, the upper-tier and the lower-tier municipalities (John 1990). Meanwhile,
the regionalized states such as Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain echo such
arrangements by having three levels of local governments including the region,
provinces or counties and communes as the lower-tier basic authority. Contrary to these
countries, many Scandinavian countries such as Britain and many of its former colonies
eschew three-tier local governments. However, in the 1990s Britain reintroduced the
idea of having only one tier local government structure.
At the same time, in Great Britain the local government expenditures generally accounts
for a significant proportion of 11 percent, whereas the same was registered at 30 percent
by Denmark in 1988 (John 1990). Furthermore, large-scale expenditures in Scandinavia
reflect the fact that social services including social security, secondary education and
health care have been put in the charge of local government at the county/province level
and public utilities such as water, gas, and electricity supply are at municipalities’ level.
In other countries such as Liberia, France, Scandinavia and North America, this is not
2
the case, however the British local government, for example, retains significant
responsibilities of education, roads, environmental protection and leisure services
provision and continues to expand its economic development role.
Local government's role in the political system has been considered primarily in terms
of its relationship with central government. Observers from a liberal democratic
standpoint have stressed two bases upon which such relationships have been formulated
since the nineteenth century. Firstly, local government is considered an important to the
encouragement of political education and participation and the basis upon which
services could be provided according to local needs. Hence, relationships with the
centre have been based on the partnership of free democratic institutions.
Secondly, local government is seen as rational from an administrative point of view as it
allows the efficient provision of public services. On this basis, the local government is
seen as the agent of central government. Since the 1970s fiscal stress and changes in
approaches to government have forced a reconsideration of relationships. Central
governments have sought to control local government finance and expenditure, and
where the community basis for local government has been weak. As in Great Britain,
this has extended to the control of service policies.
At the same time, in most countries the role of local government has been increasingly
cast as that of the buyer of services on behalf of the public that can be provided best on
a competitive basis by the private sector. In North America and Scandinavia where
there is a great concern to reinvent government than to privatize it, continued autonomy
for local government will remain, perhaps not in the role of providing services directly,
3
but in defining the local needs which other providers must meet. In contrast, British
local government during the 1980s and 1990s followed a model in which it was
expected to diminish into a contractor of services within a straitjacket of regulations
imposed by central government.
The practical capability to assert local leadership and discretion nevertheless remained
dependent upon improvements in local service delivery and a willingness to work with
a range of local partners. Indeed the implications of failure became more serious as
central inspection multiplied and a local council that did not meet centrally set
standards.
1.1 Background Of The Study
1.1.1 Local Government in East Africa
Uganda Local Government Authorities (ULGA) was established as Uganda Local
Authorities Association (ULAA) in 1994 at a time when the Ugandan government had
started the Decentralization Policy. ULGA is a registered legal entity with a mandate
guided by its constitution, and belongs to its constituent local governments as members.
The authority was formed to represent and advocate for the constitutional rights and
interests of local governments and to act as the negotiating agency for its members. The
authority is mandated to unite local governments, and provide them with association
member services, as well as a forum through which gives each other support and
guidance to make common positions on key issues that affect local governance. At the
4
same time, it carries out this mandate through lobbying, advocacy and representation of
local governments at local, national and international fore.
Although ULGA is not a government organ but its role is implied and recognized by the
state in a number of arrangements. These include appointment of the president of
members onto the Local Government Finance Commission (LGFC), active participation
in sector negotiations on the conditional grants with sector ministries, active
participation in the Decentralization Policy Strategy Framework (DPSF), the Local
Government Sector Investment Plan (LGSIP) and through representation of local
governments and their interests at national level.
Following the enactment of Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011, Kenya has three
classes of local authorities, namely city, municipality and town authorities. For instance
the capital city of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa the city status whereas the
municipalities and towns are other forms of urban authorities which are generally
named after their central town.
Local authorities usually differ from divisional and constituency boundaries used by the
state administration. Under the former Act of parliament, local authority administration
consisted of a mayor, town clerk and councilors. The number of councilors depended on
population and area of each authority. They are elected by the public during the
country’s general elections which is conducted in every five years or by-elections held
in between. Authorities were divided into wards and each ward elects only one
councilor. Wards have often common boundaries with administrative locations.
Compared to other countries (South Africa, Uganda, Botswana and Swaziland), local
5
authorities in Kenya were weak and are shadowed by state run administration. At the
same time, under Kenya's new devolved system of government, the elected councils
were dissolved and are set to be replaced by boards; in the case of city councils and
administrators in the case of municipal and town councils, appointed by the county
governments.
1.1.2 Performance of local government in African countries.
Drawing from the diverse literature which has accumulated on decentralization and
local governments in Africa, it is argued that three factors, namely, resources, authority
and a working grassroots-based political process were necessary for effective
performance of the local government(Wunsch, 1990 ). Greater levels of each of these
were expected to be positively associated with improved local government
performance, with the latter including internal operations and delivery of services
appropriate for local needs.
On the other hand, the local governance in the Republic of South Africa is entering a
dynamic era due to the fact that it is characterized by high levels of resources and
authority, but with a political process undergoing rapid change. Historically, the
political process was viable only for the enfranchised and empowered white minority.
The current post-apartheid political process is weak at the local level in all respects such
as civil society, political parties, the legislative arena, and information flows. There are
278 municipalities in South Africa, comprising eight metropolitan, 44 districts and 226
local municipalities. They are focused on growing local economies and providing
infrastructure and services.
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In accordance with the Constitution and the Organized Local Government Act 52 of
1997 which formally recognize organized local-government associations, organized
local government may designate up to 10 part-time representatives to represent
municipalities and to participate in proceedings of the National Council of Provinces
(NCOP). In South Africa, for example, strong resources and authority, in a technocratic
and legalistic political community, led to local governments which were highly efficient
but de-coupled from the majority of their constituents.
In Swaziland, local government is divided into rural and urban councils, both differently
structured. The urban councils are municipalities and the rural councils are the
Tinkundla1. In totality there are 12 municipalities and 55 Tinkundla. The Kingdom is
divided into four regions, namely, Hhohho (in the north), Manzini (in the west-central),
Lubombo (in the east) and Shiselweni (in the south).
The Municipality have revenue-raising power, as well as receiving regular and one – of
transfers from national government. The local authorities are generally responsible for
town planning, environmental protection, water supply and sanitation, west
management and leisure facilities. Also municipality, have substantially more automatic
then their rural counterpart, the Tinkundla. The major responsibilities of urban councils
are is the areas of housing and town planning, the environmental and public sanitation.
In the neighboring country of Botswana, the local government displays unusually high
levels of performance, both in its internal management and its record of delivering
1 Tinkundla originally a grouping of chiefdoms devised by King Mswati for administrative and military
mobilization
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services (e.g., schools, water, roads, relief, and health care) throughout most of the
country. In each respect, it is unusual for Africa, and indeed for most of the developing
world. Several key factors such as a substantial and sustained flow of fiscal and
personnel resources have contributed to the country’s local government’s success. It
appears that there is little or no flexibility for unique local problems, needs, and
priorities. For example, health or education might be better served in an area by
upgrading transportation rather than by building additional facilities or hiring more
staff. Under the current system, recurrent budgets are largely prescribed by national
policy, and capital budgets are entirely under national control.
Nonetheless, while local autonomy is limited, and while there are still personnel and
operational weaknesses in Botswana's local government, it appears the best in providing
quality local governance which responds to local needs. For Botswana's local
government to reach the next plateau of performance, locally raised resources and local
authority must be expanded. These might empower local administration at the same
time that they energize local political process.
1.1.3 Local Government System in Zanzibar
The current system of local governance in Zanzibar was established in the mid-1980s
but was restructured in the late 1990s, following the switch to a multi-party system in
Tanzania. The legislative bases for local government in Zanzibar are the Local
government Acts No. 3 and 4 of 1995 (Census, 2002). These Acts established Zanzibar
Municipal council, town and district councils.
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For the whole country, there are 9 district councils in which 5 are located in Unguja
while 4 are found in Pemba. At the same time, Pemba consists of 3 town councils while
Unguja has one municipality formerly known as Zanzibar town. The established district
councils play major role in the local governance. Among their main function include
formulating, coordinating and supervising the implementation of economic,
commercial, industrial and social development plans for the purpose of improving
service provision to the respective areas and to ensure the collection and proper
utilization of the revenues of the councils. At the same time, the councils are mandated
to make by-laws applicable throughout its area of jurisdiction. Similarly, they have
authorities to consider, regulate and coordinate the development plans, projects and
programs of villages and township councils.
On the other hand, the town council has the responsibility of cleaning the main roads,
ability to regulate and conduct of public hire vehicles. Also it is responsible for putting
the street lights, numbering of buildings as well as ensuring that revenues are collected
at the right time. In the same juncture, the Zanzibar Municipal Council (ZMC) is
authorized to undertake several responsibilities including establishment and
maintenance of recreation grounds, implementing public health initiatives as required
by the minister responsible for local government administration.
Furthermore, both the Municipal and Town Councils operate under five committees’
system and five associated departments. These committees are Finance and Economic
Development, Town Planning, Law and Order, Labor, Construction and Environment
and Social Services Affairs. Each Council is subdivided into wards and each ward elects
one council member. Three Councilors are nominated for Zanzibar Municipal Council
9
and two for the Town Councils by the Minister. In the case of Zanzibar Municipal
Council the Director is appointed by the President, while in District Authorities the
Town clerks are appointed by the Minister.
1.1.4 Governance structure
Local governance in Zanzibar can best be described as local government (i.e. local
councils) and central government at the local level (i.e. the Shehias). Central
Government at the local level relates to the Shehia under the Act of 1998. The
councilors are elected by the people residing in the ward, even though there is no
overall legal framework for local governance arrangements in Zanzibar.
Figure 1.1 the structure of local government in Zanzibar.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
Local government exists for the purpose of consolidating and given more power to the
people competently participates in the planning and implementation of development
programs within their respective area and generally throughout the country for instance
10
level of education, level of environmental protection to the local community, mode of
revenue and expenditure to the local areas, level of social welfare service, level of
parking service, performance based management and service budget of the local
authorities. Those aspects and programs are suspected to be performed effective to
ensure the provision of service to the local community to be strong enough compare to
the need of local people.
But this aspect was not perform effective and creates big problem to the performance of
the local government especially in service provision to the society due to many reason
such as financial liquidity; that the local governments are without sufficient funds to
provide basic services, also institutional arrangements and poor financial
administration. Similarly, unawareness by both society and policy makers on basic laws
and regulations that guide the local administration are the contributing factor to the poor
performance. Now days the performance of local government authorities are higher
compared to the past, due to the fact that recently there are central-local government
relationship where as many problem be solved especial in service provision however
there are some challenges that face performance of local government in service
provision. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the local government performance to
service provision in Zanzibar.
11
1.3.0 Objectives
1.3.1 General Objectives
The overall objective is to assess how local governments carry out the service provision
in Zanzibar society.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
i. To identify the extent community members understood local government
performance.
ii. To find out the cause of ineffectiveness of local government performance in
service provision.
iii. To identify the contributions of central government to the local government
performance in service provision.
1.4 Research Questions
i. To what extent community members understand the local government
performance?
ii. Does the central government contribute to the local government performance on
service provision in Zanzibar?
iii. What is the cause of improper performance of local government administration
in service provision to Zanzibar?
12
1.5 Significance Of The Study
As the policy recommendation of this study, it will consult the government to make
significant reforms on the local administration. In addition, the study will serve as the
basis for future research in this area as there are very limited studies conducted in this
area, most particularly in Zanzibar. As a whole, the present study will contribute and
add values to the academic literatures by minimizing the gap.
13
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
The present chapter will largely base on the intensive discussion of the relevant
literatures specific to topic. In this regard, the review will be categorically from
theoretical and empirical literatures. However, since there are few studies conducted in
this area, we will draw general conclusion in accordance with previous studies
reviewed.
2.2 Theoretical Literature
The model which was introduced by Levin and Tadelis (2007) explains that the choice
between external contracting and internal service provision as one of contractual form.
The model documents that the external contracting with the use of detailed contracts
specifies the performance requirement, whereas the internal provision established the
link with the use of salaried employees.
The model establishes a sharp trade-off between productive inefficiencies that arise
from using salaried employees and the costs of specifying and administering more
productive performance contracts. This leads to a clear set of empirical predictions on
which to base our empirical analysis. In this sense, they viewed the model as a useful
advance over less formal transaction-cost arguments.
14
On the other hand, in a study of Whilst (2003) it was explained that changes to the Act
have improved transparency and accountability of public reporting by councils, the
current requirements are not well integrated. There are currently eight separate
sections and regulations which require performance reporting impacting on all
key council strategic planning, budgeting and annual reporting documents. In
addition, councils are regularly required to report on a range of activities to State and
Commonwealth government departments.
These requirements are varied and can include administration of grants, reporting on
compliance with other regulations and participation in sector customer satisfaction
surveys. Further, many councils choose to disclose information about their performance
above and beyond the minimum standards prescribed by legislation. The current system
of local government performance reporting ensures a base level of accountability,
however it does not provide communities with an accurate and comprehensive
picture of council performance. The system is made up of separate reporting
requirements many of which are not made public and require a range of council
resources. Local government would benefit from a streamlined and structured reporting
system which provides meaningful information on the effectiveness, efficiency, and
quality of each council’s performance.
This study of Le Bay et al. (2007) documents that in many countries of the West
African region which have launched decentralization reforms since the 1990s, to try out
new approaches and new methods of cooperation to build local monitoring and
15
evaluation (M&E) capacity. In line, the study established that in the context of analysis
and learning from experiences with different approaches and instruments for building
the capacities of different actors in decentralization and local governance, and in
particular, the capacities of local government to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of
these complex reform processes.
Maloney (1999) describes that local government unit of the Irish government has
identified a range of potential performance indicators that could be used at programme
level in local authorities. Furthermore the study also indicates that there is significant
scope for the use of performance indicators by Irish local authorities in the
measurement of performance.
It is further explained that the possibility of using indicators derived from the United
Kingdom experience in a range of service programmes (dealing with the public,
housing, roads and fire) was examined, and they were found to provide a useful
framework which build appropriate indicators in an Irish context. Some local authorities
are beginning to develop performance indicators for programmes. For example, in 1998
Galway County Council asked all sections when updating their service action plans to
develop performance indicators. In addition, the units were asked to bear in mind in
particular proposals for improved service delivery (Maloney, 1999).
2.3 Empirical Framework
Local government traditionally had limited power in Egypt's highly centralized state.
Under the central government there are twenty-six governorates which are subdivided
16
into districts and towns. At each level, there is a governing structure that combined
representative councils and government-appointed executive organs headed by
governors, district officers, and mayors, respectively. Governors are appointed by the
president, and they, in turn, appoint subordinate executive officers.
Before the 2011 Egyptian’s revolution which overthrew the Mubarak’s regime, the rural
areas were limited by the power of local notables, but which is contrary for during the
Gamal’s. In Gamal’s land reform reduced their socioeconomic dominance, and the
incorporation of peasants into cooperatives transferred mass dependence from landlords
to government. The extension of officials into the countryside permitted the regime to
bring development and services to the village. The earlier effort to mobilize peasants
and deliver services disappeared as the local party and cooperative withered, but
administrative controls over the peasants remained intact.
Sadat’s government took several measures to decentralize power to the provinces and
towns. Governors acquired more authority under Law no 43 of 1979, which reduced the
administrative and budgetary controls of the central government over the provinces. The
elected councils acquired, at least formally, the right to approve or disapprove the local
budget. In an effort to reduce local demands on the central treasury, local government
was given wider powers to raise local taxes. But local representative councils became
vehicles of pressure for government spending, and the soaring deficits of local
government bodies had to be covered by the central government. Local government was
encouraged to enter into joint ventures with private investors, and these ventures
stimulated an alliance between government officials and the local rich that paralleled
17
the unfaith alliance at the national level. Under Mubarak decentralization and local
autonomy became more of a reality, and local policies often reflected special local
conditions.
Moreover, local government of United States is a form of public which in a majority of
contexts, exists as the lowest tier of administration within a given state. Local
governments generally act within powers delegated to them by legislation or directives
of the higher level of government. In federal states, local government generally
comprises the third (or sometimes fourth) tier of government, whereas in unitary states,
local government usually occupies the second or third tier of government, often with
greater powers than higher-level administrative divisions. The question of municipal
autonomy is a key question of public administration and governance. The institutions of
local government vary greatly between countries, and even where similar arrangements
exist, the terminology often varies.
In addition, the local government is the lowest level in the system of government in
Malaysia, after federal and states. It has the power to collect taxes (in the form of
assessment tax), to create laws and rules (in the form of by-laws) and to grant licenses
and permits for any trade in its area of jurisdiction, in addition to providing basic
amenities, collecting and managing waste and garbage as well as planning and
developing the area under its jurisdiction.
Local governments in England and Wales are of two types, unitary and two-tier.
Unitary councils are responsible for primary and secondary education, social care,
housing and housing benefit payments, waste disposal, transport, and environment,
18
planning, and culture. Two-tier governments (counties) have the same responsibilities,
except for housing and housing benefit, and environment, where responsibilities are
shared. In the Local Government Act of 1999, the government introduced the best value
framework which provides a framework for the planning, delivery and continuous
improvement of local authority services. The overriding purpose is to establish a culture
of good management in local government for the delivery of efficient, effective and
economic services that meet the users.
19
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter provides the intensive explanations of the methods and tools used in
collecting and analysis of data obtained from the field. The chapter begins by outlining
the geographical characteristics of the area and followed by explaining the research
methodology and data analysis procedures.
3:2 The Study Area
The present study is conducted in the North B district in Unguja at the local
administration office located at Mahonda village. It was among the most preferable area
with respect to objectives of our study.
3.3 Research Design
This particular study intends to employ a descriptive research design which use both
primary and secondary data sources. Primary data will be obtained through
questionnaires from staffs of above mentioned office. At the same time, the study
extended its scope of gathering information by collecting data from questionnaires
distributed to residents of the North B district at Mahonda. Secondary data were
obtained from various written, published, internet, journals and text books which were
relevant to our study.
20
3.4 Questionnaire Design
The structured questionnaires prepared and distributed to selected sample in order to get
required information that reflect the stated objectives of this study. Both qualitative and
quantitative data were collected from these questionnaires.
3.5 Sample Size
The scope of this study is the North B District of Mahonda in which fourteen (14) staffs
members were randomly selected from department of district local administration.
Fourteen (14) community members from Northern B District were selected.
3.6 Data Collection Methods
The study employs analysis of the published documents and questionnaires distributed
to the target group.
3.7 Analysis Of Documents
Published and unpublished documents were analyzed through references, abstract
guides and content analysis techniques.
3.8. Questionnaires
The prepared questionnaires were distributed to the staff because it were easy for the
immediate response and gathering the required information. The use of questionnaires is
cost-minimizing method when compared with other data collecting methods.
3.9 Validity and Reliability
Internal validity in this research will be achieved through proper identification of
research problem, building a theoretical perspective on assessment of local government
21
performance to services provision in Zanzibar as well as using secondary information to
guide the research processes. On the other, the external validity will be achieved
through proper identification of the research problem, following the scientific research
process and the use of different research methods. As a remark, the scientific validity
process will be adopted from designing the research problem and undertaking the
research process. On the other hand the stability and equivalence aspects of reliability of
this study were achieved by carefully replicating the research methods that have been
employed in other similar studies and test them before implementing the research
process.
3.10 Data Analysis
The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods and sample data processing
techniques. Meanwhile, the concise explanation and thorough discussion of findings
will follow along with the aid of tables and figures in making clear presentation of
results.
22
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
4.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the discussion of the empirical findings. To recap, the focus is to
assess the local government performance to service provision in Zanzibar. In order to
achieve the objectives, we employed the questionnaires that were filled by the
respondents accordingly; thus, our discussion and analysis will largely based on the
answers obtained from respondents.
4.1 Demographic Information Of Respondents
The demographic information included in the questionnaires was on gender, age,
education level and marital status. This information was collected from North B
District, in Unguja Island.
4.1.1 Gender of the Respondents
Based on the returned questionnaires that we randomly distributed to District
Administration Office and community members at Mahonda village the results show
that out of 28 respondents, 6 were females who make 21.4% whereas the remaining 22
were male making 78.6% of total. This turnout indicates that at both office and
community within the Mahonda village is well dominated by males than females. Thus,
the discussion of our results may somehow present opinion of males than that of the
other gender. The table 4.1 presents the summary of gender response.
23
Table 4.1: Gender of the respondents
Gender Number of Respondent Percentage (%)
Males 22 78.60
Females 06 21.40
Total 28 100.00
Source of data: Author’s calculation, 2014
Figure 4.2 Gender of respondents
Source of data: Author’s calculation, 2014
4.1.2 Age of the Respondents
Based on the returned questionnaires used in the field, results indicate that 6 respondents
fall in the group of 20-29 years, 6 in 30-39 years, 4 in 40-49years and 12 falls in 50 years
and above, equivalent to 21.4%, 21.4%, 14.3% and 43%, respectively. The detailed results
are presented in the Table 4.2 below.
24
Table 4.2 Age of respondents
Source of data: Author’s calculation, 2014
Figure 4.3 Ages of Respondents
Source of data: Author’s calculation, 2014
Age (Years) Respondents Percentage (%)
20-29 06 21.40
30-39 06 21.40
40-49 04 14.30
50 and above 12 43.00
Total 28 100
25
4.1.3 Education Level of the Respondents
Out of 28 questionnaires distributed, the response shows that8 persons had certificates,
4 persons and 3 persons had diploma and degree levels, respectively. In addition, the
remaining 13 respondents fall under the category of others which is comprised of 2
primary, 4 secondary and 7 were illiterate persons. The detailed results are indicated in
table 4.3 below.
Table 4.3 Educational Level
Levels Frequencies Percentage (%)
Certificate 08 38.10
Diploma 04 19.00
Degree
Others
03
06
14.30
28.60
Total 21 100.00
Source of data: Author’s calculation, 2014.
Figure 4.4 Educational Level
Source of data: Author’s calculation, 2014
26
4.1.4 Marital Status
The marital status shows that the large number respondents were already married and
remaining was single. 20 respondents who were married are which of equivalent 66%,
3 respondents were widows equivalent to 10%. The detailed results are presented in the
Table 4.4 below.
Table 4.4 Marital Status
Source of data: Author’s calculation, 2014.
Figure 4.5 the Marital Status.
Source of data: Author’s calculation, 2014.
Status Frequency Percentage (%)
Single 05 17.90
Married 20 71.40
Widow 03 10.70
Total 28 100.00
27
4.2 Research Findings
This section provides comprehensive discussion of the core findings of our study. The
results indicate that local government administration in Zanzibar is still at its low
performance in respect to the services provision. We have also established that most of
community members do not understand local government and it major roles and
functions. In addition, the study came across the very interesting finding which entails
that the local administration in entire Zanzibar lacks and handful support from the
central government. In this regard, the discussion will largely focus on these key issues.
4.2.1 Local Government performance in providing services
The finding indicates that local government performance is poorly performing in the
aspect of services provisions to the community. This is largely caused by the of lack
knowledge by community members in providing services to the society. This shows that
performance of local administration is experiencing some obstacles that hinder the
entire process. Meanwhile, the workers at the local government office do not understand
their duly responsibilities. This might be due to the lack of relevant training and seminar
to sharpen their knowledge and motivate them working at satisfactory performance. It
was claimed by some of respondents that since they were employed did not secure any
training much less seminars at the relevant areas of service provisions.
For instance, in case of any dispute arising from the community they are unable to
resolve and put the conflicting parties under win-win negotiation point. In line, the
present study finds that the local administration officers do not regularly meet with local
28
residents asking for their complaints and problem. This in the long run has impact to
community and is key source for the conflict and disputes.
4.2.2 Challenges affect local government performance
It seemed that local government in performing its work face a lot of challenges which
affect their performance. These challenges are emerging from two points; the
community and the central government. Among the challenges identified by our study
includes transport. They documented that most of the officers in the local government
are not residents of the respective districts, meaning that they are staying in other areas.
So it is quite difficult for them to arrive at their working stations at the right time. This
is to say that it affects their work performance. Secondly, the local administration office
lacks sufficient and sophisticated equipment for their daily operations.
For instance the office is under scarcity of computer, well defined building as office.
Contrary to our expectation, the study identified that most of the employees have only
basic education but lack higher level of education. It is worth noting that a human
capital is one among the most important factor for the success of any organization, and
the lack of it signifies the improper functioning and performance. In line with this, the
study found that even though most of staffs have only basic knowledge or education,
but still the administration did not provide them training, whether the short term or long
term ones. Having these would boost up their capacity and increase their working skills
which will in turn provide better services to the society concerned.
29
4.2.3 The contribution of central government
Although the local government has a mandate to perform its duty in the areas of its
jurisdiction, but still the central government is constitutionally required to provide its
support. It is expected that the central government supports the local government
without being regularly asked to. For instance, the former supports and supervise the
latter in the implementation of programs within the community such as malaria
eradication programs, entrepreneurship initiatives as well as poverty reduction
programs.
In addition, central government also helps in providing different resources and
instruments and ensures proper and smooth operation of the local government authority.
This includes provision of financial resources and transport. Moreover, central
government initiates and appoints the skilled and experienced workers to ensure the
operation of local government is well performed. For instance, the central government
allocates and provide fund for local government by-elections. Lastly, the central
government intervened and acts as mediator for dispute and conflicts settlements when
any of the misunderstanding emerged from the society.
4.3 Conclusion
In summary, the present study finds that the local government uses a lot of effort in
order to ensure the services are delivered, despite the very discouraging challenges they
face. Also the study established that the local communities are not well aware of
existence and responsibilities of the local government in providing services to them.
30
This means that whenever they need any service, they directly approach the central
government instead of the local authorities. As a whole, we found that the local
administrations face various number of challenges which in one aspect or another affect
the performance of their responsibilities.
31
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction
This chapter makes summary of the findings of study and provides conclusions,
recommendations and areas for further research.
5.1 Summary
In general, the results in this study show that local government faces many challenges in
performing their responsibilities of providing their services to the community. Among
the well explained challenges include inaccessibility of training (both short and long
term) and lack of transport. Moreover, most of employees in local government have
only basic education which is insufficient enough for the respective duty of service
provision. At the same, the policies which govern the local government are not well
explained; this causes the contradiction between them with the central government.
5.2 Limitation Of The Study.
Certain limitations were identified at some point during the study. For instance, being
the lack cooperation by some of staff from the local administration office. However
several attempts to convince them in order to explore more data, we could not get our
hands on most of them. Despite being a popular local administration, the lack of data
and cooperation hinders and discourages further research into this particular area. This
in turn, hampers other government agencies’ efforts in setting up proper local
government policies.
32
5.4 Recommendations
The present study will draw the policy recommendation based on the empirical
findings. We share our views to the policy maker for Local Administration to make a
through visit to society to collect information and listens to their complaint’s in case of
any conflicts or dispute it could be easy to contain them. In addition, the central
government can make reforms in the policy governing local administration along with
constitution amendment in order to insure constant flow revenues to this authority. This
will enable to run their duties in effective and efficient manner.
5.5 Areas For Further Study
The present study serves as the basic for future research in this area, since there are
plenty of issues are not yet investigated. Therefore, future researcher and academic
contribute much to the literatures if they focus their studying on issues such as to
examine how local authority perform their responsibilities, also to examine the
implementation of the policy in local administration.
33
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