Local Public Adminstration and the Challenges of Socio-Economic Development of Local Communities in Cameroon: the Case of Buea and Douala Municipalities
Keywords:
Authorities, councils, development, regions, public administrationAbstract
The 18th of January 1996 is the turning point in the history of Cameroon as it marks the establishment of a new constitution and the constitutionalisation of decentralisation stated under section 55(1) of the constitution. These collectivities constitute the nature of local public administration in Cameroon which have been granted administrative and financial autonomy and competences via independent elected counsellors who manage them on behalf of the local people under the protection of the senate who represents the local communities at the level of the State. The piece of work title local public administration and the challenges of socio-economic development of local government areas in Cameroon: the case of Buea and Douala municipalities. The research is out to give a clear understanding of the evolution of Local public administration in Cameroon and what are reasons for ineffective socio-economic development by local public administration in local communities in Buea and Douala? This project will thus include gathering and analysing data. Results revealed that Local Public Administration is still mired in a state of complication when it comes to the delivery of essential services, notwithstanding the decentralisation policy's materialisation. Consequently, the impact of decentralisation on local development was investigated through an evaluation of local government performance in the municipalities of Buea and Douala. The researcher proposed that, in order to ensure the efficiency of local public administration in Cameroon in the area of local community socioeconomic development, the central government make a functional and sincere political commitment to execute all stages of the decentralisation plans.
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