The Working of Public Private Partnerships in Local Government: Lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa

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 decentralization 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 constraints of resources to meet rising populations and needs of local communities. To salvage constraints, public private partnerships have been viewed as the immediate 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 PP application in local government setup. Based on an exploratory review, the study provides guidance on use and context of the application PPPs in local government. The outcome of study is important since the administrative grief is enlarging due to COVID-19 effects yet the bulk of citizens that form the bulk in the nation and continue to put pressure on local authorities to deliver service.