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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Assessment of Urban Governance in Zimbabwe: The Case of the City of Gweru
Author:Mhlahlo, Samson RwadziISNI
Year:2007
Periodical:Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review (ISSN 1027-1775)
Volume:23
Issue:1
Period:January
Pages:107-128
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Zimbabwe
Southern Africa
Subjects:municipal government
central-local government relations
Urbanization and Migration
Politics and Government
politics
local government
Cities and towns
Gweru (Zimbabwe)
Urban poor
Transparency in government
External link:http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/eastern_africa_social_science_research_review/v023/23.1mhlahlo.pdf
Abstract:This paper assesses urban governance in Zimbabwe with specific reference to the City of Gweru. In Zimbabwe urban governance is the immediate responsibility of Urban Councils in cogovernance with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development, which has an overall supervisory role. Chapter 29: 15 of the Urban Councils Act of 1995, revised in 1996, provides for the establishment of municipalities and towns and the administration of local boards, municipal and town councils. It confers functions and powers that impose duties upon municipal and town councils, as well as local boards. In Zimbabwe urban governance is not totally autonomous. The responsibilities and functions of urban governance are often shared and take place within a policy framework, which is both set by national politicians and over which those same national politicians will want to exert influence and direction. The issue is less about autonomy and more about interdependence and balance. The paper explores the view that if urban councils are to be government in the real sense of the word, then they must have a strategic capacity for accountability, efficiency and transparency to help in combating corruption, urban poverty and enhancing civic engagement. Through the use of interviews, questionnaires and minutes of council and committee meetings, the research also examines the relations between councillors, electorate, officials, and central government in the urban governance of Gweru. The study concludes by discussing recommendations for good urban governance in Gweru. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]
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