The Determinants of Poor Service Delivery in Zimbabwe’s Local Government System

Abstract

This article, grounded in decentralisation theory, examined the determinants of poor service delivery in Zimbabwe’s local government system, against a backdrop of chronic underperformance and growing public discontent. Using a survey-based methodology and statistical analysis via SPSS, the study captured public perceptions to uncover the root causes of service delivery failures. Findings revealed a divided citizenry, with a significant proportion expressing dissatisfaction with the management of local services. Governance-related issues, including corruption, weak accountability, limited local autonomy, poor community engagement and inadequate legal and policy frameworks, emerged as the most critical contributors to poor performance. In contrast, technical challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and human resource shortages were not widely perceived as primary obstacles. These results suggested that governance failures, rather than resource constraints, lie at the heart of the service delivery crisis. The study concludes by advocating for stronger governance and accountability mechanisms, institutionalised community engagement and meaningful reform of the legal and policy frameworks governing local government—all of which are essential steps toward improving service delivery and rebuilding public trust in local 
governance.