Abstract:
Municipal services are imperative in maintaining a reasonable standard of living of
the people in a particular area of jurisdiction. In most African states, municipalities
have a challenge as they are not achieving their predetermined developmental
objectives. The role of a municipality is to inter alia create an environment conducive
to the advancement of development by ensuring the delivery of the expected
services. The failure to deliver services is often associated with the lack of proper
leadership that might exist in municipalities, where both the elected offi ce bearers
and administrative offi cials lack the necessary skills to perform the required tasks.
This article will address the leadership quagmire that exists in local government in
selected countries.
Firstly the article will explain the local government environment and its
purpose in a developing country. This will be done by explicating the nature and
character of municipalities. Secondly, a literature review will assist in assessing
the different leadership styles and consequently comparing them with the existing
municipal offi cials present in municipalities. The assessment of leadership styles
is necessary for the determination of the effectiveness of the delivery of services
and the implementation of municipal programmes. Lastly, the article will provide
suggestions to resolve the pertinent question of effective municipal government and
subsequently ensure equitable service delivery.
