Role of Local Authorities and Public Officials in Encouraging Citizen Participation in Development Planning in Murewa District

This study unpacks the role played by government authorities in stimulating citizen participation local development. Citizen participation, being core to sustainable development, has been of interest among development practitioners and scholars alike, with varying degrees attention its scope how can actually occur. One observed trends is critical both national authorities. Development planning closely tied under clearly defined roles officials involved. The citizens activities not a voluntary process but deliberate action through various measures such as creating an environment which everyone equally important contributing change communities they live. on spotlight developing countries, including Zimbabwe marginalised areas Murewa District Zimbabwe. Mashonaland East Province cited area remained low. objective this paper therefore examine extent encourage bottlenecks that undermine process. Data were collected primary data sources, questionnaire surveys interviews selected authority officials. results indicate most have never had opportunity propose policies council, individually or collectively part community due prohibitive also established cannot be separated from public who should provide leadership guidance create required democratic culture implementing decentralisation agenda, stipulated 2013 Constitution adoption participatory policy at all levels government.