Decentralised Planning In Zimbabwe: A Review Of Provincial, Urban And District Development Planning In Post-Dependence Zimbabwe (Post-1980)

Abstract: The paper provides a detailed analysis of the nature and forms

of decentralised planning existing in Zimbabwe since 1980. Most of them

reflect a continuity from the colonial period with modifications to suit the

new sociwconomic order. A detailed review is made of the powers that

exist for planning and implementation, and also their limitations. The

multiplicity of agencies has created problems, which has called for more

co-ordination particularly at provincial level. However, the conflict

between territory and function is very evident, because in all cases it is

planning either by sector ministries and parastatal agencies with limited

territorial power, or in some cases relative autonomy exists for local

planning and implementation. The conclusion to this paper is that there is

a strong need for a central authority to co-ordinate decentralised

planning. This is a contradiction, if one sees decentralisation as the

opposite of centralisation. Here we see the co-existence of the two as

inevitable because Zimbabwe is a unitary state which defines the limits of

decentralisation.

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