The Practice of Citizen Participation in Local Authorities: Case of Masvingo City Council

Abstract

The study primarily sought to identify and analyse citizen participation practices being undertaken by Masvingo City Council. The study was conducted in Masvingo City and the total sample size was 40 respondents who were Masvingo City Council residents, Civil Society Organisations as well as the City Council Officials.Primary and secondary data was used in the research and two self-administered questionnaires and an in-depth interview guide were used as research instruments. Secondary data was mainly from Masvingo City Council, Civil Society Organisations and Government reports as well as academic journals. The study established that the citizens recognise the importance of their participation; however,Masvingo City Council was not effectively promoting the participation of citizens and Civil Society Organisations. The challenges identified by the respondents as obstacles to their participation include, ineffective dissemination of information, political party influences, imposition of issues by Council and limited time for discussions at meetings.The study recommends that firstly, there is need to align the Local government Act chapter 29:15 with the Constitution of Zimbabwe amendment number 20. It must mention the processes, procedure and stages of citizen participation and it should bind local government Administrators and Councilors to widely consult citizens before any policy is made. Secondly, there is need of political education and citizens’ sensitization on citizen participation in local government as well as the involvement of Civil Society Organisations in the policy-making process; thirdly, effective information dissemination is also very important in enhancing participation. Finally, Full Council meetings needs to be held at ward level for the convenience on the citizens.