Evaluation of Social Services Delivery at the Local Government Level in Abia State: A Case Study of Umuahia North Local Government

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to examine and evaluate social service delivery in Umuahia North local government. Six wards were selected out of the twelve wards through sample survey. The wards that were selected are Aguiri wards, Ibeku East ward, Umuhu ward, Nkwoachara ward, Ndume ward, Urban ward 2, The data obtained were analyzed using simple percentages for easy interpretation. The findings showed that Umuahia North local government do not provide effective and efficient service delivery. Secondly Umuahia North local government problems emanate from the excessive control of the state government. Thirdly, the communities do not compliment their efforts to that of the local government, or the communities do not guard jealously or take care of the services provided by the local government. The effective performance of Umuahia North local government include resources, authority and a working grassroot based political process. Umuahia North local government should be allowed as an autonomous entity to survive and contribute its own of quota in the development of the rural Nigeria. Also the communities should be mobilized and sensitized through the stakeholders or even the community at large of any programme and happenings in the government from time to times. In doing so Umahia North local government will become relevant as an Indispensable tier of government and redirect its thinking towards their citizenry that needed to be satisfied.