Urban management, local government reform and the democratisation process in Mozambique: Maputo city 1975–1990

Abstract

The urban management of Mozambique's capital was reorganised at independence to reflect the priorities of the ruling party Frelimo. Heralded as constituting a radical break with the past, many of the new structures and practices of local management demonstrated striking continuities with the colonial corporatist political culture inherited from the Portuguese administration. The highly centralised structures and complicated lines of responsibility introduced by the new administration proved unworkable in the face of generalised economic collapse and war. The agenda for the current reconstruction of city administration is being set largely by the international community and is aimed at more effective management practices. It is unclear whether the outcome will bring greater local accountability.