Re-visiting the constitutionalisation of local governance in Zimbabwe: opportunities and challenges for development

Abstract

In conventional participatory paradigm, it is significant to involve citizens in de cision-making processes in projects that affect their lives. Citizen participation enhances transparency and legitimacy as well as accountability and responsiveness from those entrusted with public office. In Zimbabwe, the constitutional isation of local governance has seen a provision obligating Central Government to support devolution through the provision of financial resources. This article ex plores opportunities provided by the constitution through an elaborate discussion of devolution rolled out by the Government in Zimbabwe. Practical examples of the implementation of devolution projects in different districts in the country are given. The presentation of financial allocation of devolution funds are evidence of commitment by Government to implement devolution as a community empowerment initiative.Gleanings from available literature concluded that it has been worthwhile to constitutionalise Local Governance in Zimbabwe.