Local Government Administration in Practice in South Sudan

The book covers the general framework of local government and the way it is being applied worldwide; and with how local government is being practiced or applied in the Republic of South Sudan.

The term 'Local government' is an elusive one, and it can mean different things to different people. Local government is a form of public administration which in a majority of contexts, exists as the lowest tier of administration within a given state. The institutions of local government vary greatly between countries, and even where similar arrangements exist, the terminology often varies.

Local governments have specific local powers and functions not covered by other levels of government, and local administrators are elected by the local population, while in South Sudan, Local Government Administrative Officers (LGAOs) are appointed civil servants. Local government has, therefore, both a representational and an operational role, with responsibility for a range of services.

The reasons that governments establish local government administration is because it is considered as an instrument of decentralization; democracy; freedom; method of achieving administrative efficiency; and means of attaining economic development.

The purposes the local government serves among others cover: supply of goods and services; and to represent and involve citizens in determining specific local public needs and how these local needs can be met.