An assessment of the implementation of the policy of decentralisation: Case Study Buea Council

ABSTRACT

This study is on the assessment of the implementation of the policy of decentralisation. Case study Buea council. The main aim of this study is to check the extent to which decentralisation law has been applied in Cameroon in general and Buea council in particular. To check the population reaction to this law, bring out the problem encountered in the implementing this law and some proposed solutions. Using both primary and secondary data source. The study concludes that the implementation of decentralisation policies in Buea municipality has largely been successful as council authorities possess the necessary technical expertise, leadership, management capability, resources, and autonomy to manage decentralisation.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The participation of citizens in decision-making is the core element of democracy. One of the most effective tools to increase participation and involve citizens in governance, as well as to improve the stability and security of the communities, is decentralization. However, the quality of services at the local level is deteriorating, resulting in constant pressure to local communities.

Decentralisation has been a longstanding topic of interest in the field of public administration and governance. The policy of decentralisation, which involves the transfer of power and resources from central governments to local authorities, has been implemented in many countries around the world as a means of promoting democratic participation, citizen engagement, and more effective service delivery.

Decentralisation has the potential to improve governance and service delivery by empowering local actors and promoting democratic participation, transparency, and accountability. It can contribute to improved outcomes in various sectors. The policy of decentralisation is considered as a strategy that can promote good governance, accountability, and the efficient delivery of public services. However, assessments of the effectiveness and impact of decentralisation policy have yielded mixed results, with some studies suggesting that it has led to improved local governance and others pointing to challenges such as corruption, inefficiency, and weak capacity at the local level.

The policy of decentralisation was introduced in the world after World War II as part of the development agenda for many post-colonial countries. This approach has evolved over time, and there are several types of decentralisation such as administrative, fiscal, and political. Fiscal decentralisation involves the transfer of financial resources to lower levels of government. Political decentralisation, on the other hand, involves the transfer of decision-making power to lower levels of government or local communities. Administrative decentralisation focuses on the transfer of administrative responsibilities, such as service delivery and public sector management, to local governments.

Decentralisation become an essential tool in promoting good governance and citizen participation at the local level. Governments are continuing to make use of decentralisation to improve service delivery, public sector management, and financial resource management.

Decentralisation in Africa was initially driven by the desire to address historical legacies of colonialism and centralisation, which had undermined effective governance and development. However, despite the popularity of decentralisation in Africa, its implementation has been beset by numerous challenges, ranging from weak institutional and administrative capacity to a lack of resources and political will. One of the key issues in African decentralisation is the level of devolution of power and resources from central to local authorities. While some countries have implemented deconcentration, which involves the delegation of administrative functions without significant transfer of resources, others have opted for more radical forms of decentralisation, such as devolution or delegation.

In Cameroon, the policy of decentralisation has undergone several evolutions since the 1970s. According to Ngoh (2011, p.10), the first phase of decentralisation started in 1972 when the government created ten provinces and appointed provincial governors. The government of Cameroon initiated the second face of decentralization process in 1996 with the adoption of the Constitution. The aim was to promote greater participation in governance, enhance service delivery at the local level, and ensure greater accountability and transparency. The constitution was further reinforced in 2004 by the adoption of a law on decentralisation which transferred some powers and responsibilities from the central government to the local authorities.

The decentralization policy in Cameroon is being implemented through the creation of regional councils and the election of regional presidents. The regional councils are responsible for managing local affairs such as education, health, social welfare, and infrastructure development. The regional president is the head of the regional council and is responsible for implementing the council’s decisions. The central government provides financial support and technical assistance to the regional councils.

The advantages of decentralisation in Cameroon are numerous. According to Nkemngong (2019, p.231), decentralisation has helped to improve service delivery at the local level. The local authorities are closer to the people and are better able to understand their needs. This has led to the development of infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health centers. Decentralisation has also helped to promote participatory democracy by involving citizens in the decision-making process. The local councils are required to consult with the people before making important decisions.

However, despite some progress, decentralization in Cameroon has faced challenges in terms of limited financial resources, inadequate human capacity, weak institutions, and fragile democratic processes (Kum, 2011, p. 60; Ndode, 2019, p. 60).

Recent years have seen renewed interest in the topic of decentralisation, with a growing emphasis on understanding the institutional, political, and social factors that contribute to successful implementation. By examining the successes and challenges of decentralisation in this specific context, this study will contribute to a broader understanding of the implications of decentralisation policy for governance and public administration on a global scale, offering insights that can inform future policy and practice.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The policy of decentralisation is considered as a strategy that can promote good governance, accountability, and the efficient delivery of public services. The policy aims to transfer power and functions from the central government to the local government level, with the aim of empowering local communities to make decisions and implement their own development initiatives. The participation of citizens in decision-making is the core element of democracy. One of the most effective tools to increase participation and involve citizens in governance, as well as to improve the stability and security of the communities, is decentralisation. However, the quality of services at the local level is deteriorating, resulting in constant pressure to local communities.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 Main objective

The main objective of this study is to assess the Implementation of the Policy of Decentralisation in Buea municipality.

1.3.2 Specific objective

Specifically, this study aims to achieve the following objectives:

• To assess the capacity of council authorities to manage decentralisation policy in Buea municipality.
• To determine the adequacy of resources allocated to council authorities for the implementation of decentralisation policy in Buea municipality.
• To evaluate citizen participation in the implementation of decentralisation policy in Buea municipality.