PRIMARY 4: SOCIAL STUDIES – SECOND TERM | WEEK 5

TOPIC: PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Picture cards showing damaged public facilities.
2. Charts showing Local Government problems.
3. Flashcards.
4. Short story cards.
5. Pupils’ writing books and pencils.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of work.
2. Recommended Social Studies textbook for Primary 4.
3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt the meaning, functions and importance of Local Government.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify common problems of Local Government.
2. Explain inadequate funding.
3. Explain corruption.
4. State effects of poor maintenance of facilities.
5. Mention effects of shortage of qualified workers.
6. State ways of improving Local Government administration.
7. Explain the importance of accountability.

E: CONTENT

Problems of Local Government

Local Governments may face problems that make it difficult for them to serve the people well.

Inadequate Funds

Inadequate funds means not having enough money to carry out projects and provide services. This may cause:

• Poor roads.
• Uncompleted projects.
• Poor sanitation.
• Lack of maintenance.

Corruption

Corruption is dishonest behaviour, especially when public money or property is misused for personal benefit. Corruption can reduce the amount of money available for development.

Shortage of Qualified Workers

A Local Government may not have enough trained workers such as:

• Engineers.
• Health workers.
• Accountants.
• Administrators.

This may reduce the quality of services.

Poor Maintenance of Public Facilities

Roads, markets, drainage systems and other facilities may become damaged if they are not properly maintained.

Political Interference

Political interference may occur when decisions are influenced for personal or political reasons instead of the needs of the people.

Effects of Local Government Problems

These problems may lead to:

1. Poor services.
2. Bad roads.
3. Dirty surroundings.
4. Slow development.
5. Wastage of public resources.
6. Loss of public trust.

Solutions

Local Government administration can improve through:

1. Proper use of funds.
2. Employment of qualified workers.
3. Regular maintenance of facilities.
4. Accountability.
5. Transparency.
6. Community participation.
7. Punishment of corruption.

Meaning of Accountability

Accountability means being responsible for one’s actions and explaining how public resources are used.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Revises Local Government functions.
2. Introduces problems of Local Government.
3. Explains inadequate funding and corruption.
4. Discusses shortage of workers and poor maintenance.
5. Explains the effects of these problems.
6. Discusses possible solutions.
7. Explains accountability.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Mention Local Government problems.
2. Explain inadequate funds.
3. Describe corruption in simple terms.
4. Identify effects of poor maintenance.
5. Suggest solutions to Local Government problems.
6. Define accountability.
7. Participate in class discussion.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises the common problems facing Local Governments and ways of solving them. The teacher encourages pupils to value honesty, accountability and proper care of public property.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. Mention four problems of Local Government.
2. What does inadequate funding mean?
3. What is corruption?
4. State three effects of poor Local Government administration.
5. Mention four ways of improving Local Government administration.
6. What is accountability?
7. Why is accountability important?