Abstract
Decentralized governance offers opportunities for achieving development through good governance and community participation at grass root (Ayenew, 2007).Thus, this study examines the contribution of decentralization for town development and; the opportunities and challenges of wereda decentralization for town development. The study was conducted in two selected Wereda capital towns in Metekel zone, Bulen and GilgelBeles. Data were collected from primary sources with the help of questionnaires, interviews and observation. The primary data were also supported by secondary documents such as federal and regional constitutions, proclamations, regulations, local development plans, official performance reports, and magazines. The data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The study revealed that wereda level decentralization actually has influenced development at grass root level in Metekel zone in general, and towns in particular. Better infrastructural provisions (education and health) were witnessed in the towns. This is due to better community participation in decision making process and availability of opportunity to express their interest. Though, more is expected, the financial capacity of towns has also registered progress. However, the situation in urban land delivery does not show an improvement. Partiality, bias, and unaccountability are major hindrances in urban land delivery. The top down hierarchy between town administrations and wereda administrators has become a major challenge for a full exploitation of town resource and administration. Besides, shortage of qualified manpower and weak community participation in development activities were also other factors that have impacted the further performance of towns.Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-3, issue-1: 78-80
Highlights
In the extended program of wereda decentralization, the major initiative was to devolve decision making authority to wereda and transform them in to strong institutions of local democratic governance and efficient means for delivering public services (Ayenew, 2007)
The process of decentralization in Ethiopia to the lower levels of government so far has passed through two stages; the first stage is the devolution of power to the regional states with substantial legislative, executive and judicial powers while the second stage is the decentralization of substantial authority to wereda administration, which is the lower level of government (Kanea, 2006)
It has provided opportunity for town development such as increased decision making authority, community participation, financial capacity etc. the effect to which these have been in place and what their influence is on town development are not clearly known
Summary
In the extended program of wereda decentralization, the major initiative was to devolve decision making authority to wereda and transform them in to strong institutions of local democratic governance and efficient means for delivering public services (Ayenew, 2007). Decentralized governance offers opportunities for achieving development through good governance and community participation at grass root level. It can support development by encouraging transparency and accountability, building of local participation in public decision making processes, empowering of communities and increasing their sense of belongingness.
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