The Impact of public procurement on service delivery by local authorities in Zimbabwe

Author

Maseka, Kimberly

Title

The Impact of public procurement on service delivery by local authorities in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The main focus of this study was to assess the impact of public procurement on service delivery by local authorities in Zimbabwe using a case study of Mazowe
RDC. In Zimbabwe most of the rural councils struggle to provide quality services to their residents and a lot of reports has been made by residents such as delayed deliveries, corruption and wasteful spending by the authorities. The objectives of the study are to assess the impact of public procurement on service delivery by local authorities, determine the limitations of public procurement on service delivery by local authorities and establish measures for the success of public procurement on service delivery by local authorities. The research employed the qualitative approach to collect data using a sample size of 10 Mazowe RDC employees from all the 5 departments making use of interviews, questionnaires and observations. The sample population was selected using purposive sampling and convenience sampling. Analysis of data was done usingMs Word, Ms Excel and SPSS. The study found that transparent, timeliness and efficient public processes ensure effective and standard service delivery. The research also found that certain limitations like corruption, fraud, misallocation of resources and inadequate planning and monitoring in the procurement process which can hinder effective service delivery. To address these limitations the study recommends that procurement regulations and quality control be strengthened in local authorities to enhance transparency. The study also recommends procurement training to personnel and adoption of competitive bidding at local authorities to equip procurement staff with necessary skills and knowledge.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Local authorities

Procurement

Service delivery

Supervisor

N/A