Factors Affecting Service Delivery System at Local Level: An Analysis of KP Local Government System

Abstract

Local government system, being closer to the people, is best suited for local development, better public management and service delivery. Efficient and functional service delivery system is contingent upon many factors like conducive environment, political will, social activism, voter awareness, community empowerment, proactive role of civil society and training of local government members. However, due to frequent disruptions and experimentations, local government institutions have not evolved in KP specifically and Pakistan generally. In 2001, uniform Local government system was established in Pakistan with high dreams and goals. The existing structure of governance and administration was shaken and reformed. Service delivery departments were devolved, powers and finances shifted to district level. Despite this transformation, quality of service delivery and management of health and education facilities are still far from satisfactory. This manuscript founds that clientelesim, narrow local interest, voting behavior, elite capture, lack of empowerment; public accountability and marginal role of CSOs have influenced service delivery. The study is qualitative in nature where secondary and primary sources have been used and interpreted for the case in hand. Participants are purposively selected from range from local elected officials, reps of civil society and heads of service delivery departments. Thematic analysis is used for data analysis.