Institutional Constraints and Governance Challenges in Municipal Service Delivery: Evidence from Mizan-Aman Town, South West Ethiopia

This study examines the challenges hindering good governance-based service delivery in Mizan-Aman Town Municipality, located in Bench-Sheko Zone, South West Ethiopia, through the lens of Neo-institutionalism theory. It aims to explore the relationship between governance principles and public service delivery, identify key obstacles in achieving good governance, assess residents' perceptions of service quality, and evaluate municipal employees' views on governance challenges. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The study surveyed 384 residents and 81 municipal employees, and conducted in-depth interviews with 8 key informants, including municipal officials. Findings reveal that the municipality faces significant challenges across all eight dimensions of good governance. Key issues include limited public participation, misalignment between municipal actions and residents' needs, and persistent transparency and accountability deficits, particularly in urban land administration and project financing. Despite some progress, the study indicated that institutional constraints, political influence, and lack of coordination continue to undermine effective governance. These challenges underscore the gap between ideal governance practices and the reality of service delivery in Mizan-Aman Town.