An Assessment of Good Governance Practices and Challenges in Local Government of Ethiopia: The Case of Bonga Town Administration, in Kaffa Zone, SNNPRS

Abstract

Good governance has become a key agenda of development discourse in the world in general, and Africa in particular. Ethiopia, too, does not deviate from this global fashion. Accordingly, due to their closeness to the citizen, local governments are required to give timely service to the people under their administrative jurisdiction. Similarly, Bonga Town Administration has this mandate for the town residents; however, there are wide public grievances regarding the adequacy and quality of service delivery, accountability and transparency of local authorities and corruption. This study sought to assess the practice and challenges of good governance in Bonga Town Administration. For the sake of achieving the aim of the study, descriptive research method was utilized. To determine sample respondents purposive and convenience sampling techniques are used. Quantitative data was gathered through questionnaire. Pertinent to qualitative information, structured interview and FGD are employed. Then after, data collected and analyzed through quantitative and qualitative methods. At last, the study disclosed low level of accountability and transparency in the town administration. The town people haven’t say in service provision and prioritization of their shared problems. The study shows low level of attendance during meeting and participants reported they are disengaged in shared affairs, in fact public participation lacks luster. Moreover, pervasive corruption is perceived as key governance problem in the town; however, due to fear of reprisal citizens lack experience in exposing corruption. In sum, poor service delivery, gap between local government representative and the town people, high level of rent seeking, weak political leadership, lack of timely response for public interest, and public disengagement in shared affairs were found to be challenges of good governance in Bonga Town Administration. Henceforth, based on the findings, it is concluded that the current good governance practice in Bonga Town Administration is weak because it fails to meet the interest and need of the town people, and that it lacks accountable and transparent administration, communication between the local government representatives and people, and identified with high level of rent seeking among public servants as well as appointed and elected authorities. This research argues for the existence of governance which ensure public engagement in decision making and prioritization of shared problems, accompanied by transparent and accountable administration.