INTERROGATING THE REASONS BEHIND CHALLENGES OF SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN MALAWI

Abstract

The study interrogated the reasons behind challenges of service delivery in the local government. Data was collected through in-depth interviews from Blantyre District Council, Blantyre City Council and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the study established the reasons behind the technical, political and contextual challenges of service delivery. The study employed qualitative method to collect data. Among other findings, the study established lack of proper orientation for members of staff in their respective fields, lack of enforcement on the definition of roles and responsibilities and inadequate of funds for the operations of the local councils. These challenges have a negative impact in the delivery of services in local councils. The findings in this study are significant and contributes to effective service delivery decisions and their implementation processes in Malawi.