An Assessment of Service delivery in Rural District Councils in Zimbabwe: A Case of Chimanimani Rural District Council

Abstract

This study was conducted in Chimanimani with the aim of assessing service delivery in the district. The study was done in a bid to suggest ways that could be done to improve service delivery in rural district councils. The study was prompted by an outcry from residents of poor service delivery in many different rural district councils across the country. A descriptive survey, using qualitative and quantitative methods was used. A sample of 125 respondents, consisting of 25 heads of council schools, 5 nurses (sisters in charge) in council health institutions, 7 ward councillors, 5 committee members of schools and clinics, 3 council officials and 80 residents participated in the research. Questionnaires, interview guides, documentary analysis and focus group discussions were the instruments used to collect data. Purposive and convenience sampling methods were used to sample wards and respondents for the research. It emerged from the research that councillors were very visible in the wards and performed a number of duties and responsibilities in the wards. Council had established the largest number of schools and health institutions and these offered a wide range of services. Council’s main role was sourcing for developmental partners to develop schools. Council’s role was minimal in irrigation schemes. Roads were substandard although they were frequently serviced. It was recommended that: Councillors be provided with bicycles or motorcycles to access every part of their wards. The job of a councillor should be a full time and that government should avail more financial resources to rural district councils. Councils should improve revenue collection by engaging the services of debt collectors.