Local Government: Practices and Lessons for Delivering Services Through Public Private Partnerships

Abstract

Governments across the world have given local authorities more freedom and power to meet the needs of their citizens and communities. Establishing local authorities has been in line with the quest for self-governance in matters that affect their local aspirations. Existing studies acknowledged that while decentralisation has increased urbanization and a sense of fulfilment of local community aspirations, it has plunged local administrations in a state of administrative grief caused by resource constraints to meet needs of the rising populations and local communities. To salvage constraints, public private partnerships (PPPs) have been adopted as a rescue option. Little is known on the applicability of PPPs in local governments in developing economies. The aim of the study was to explore practices associated with PPP application in local government setup. Based on an exploratory review of literature, the study provides guidance on the use and context of the application of PPPs in local government. The outcome of the study is important since the administrative grief is enlarging due to COVID-19 effects, yet the bulk of citizens continue to put pressure on local authorities to deliver service amidst financial constraints