This book presents the results of the study arising from an assessment of managerial, technical and fiscal capacity of Chongwe District Council, and the effectiveness of community participation, in relation to development planning, implementation and management of public services. With respect to managerial capacity, the results are presented in terms of the effectiveness of service provision by the Council and the availability and qualifications of key staff in Planning, Works and Treasury Departments. Regarding technical capacity, the results are presented with regards to the availability of equipment for planning, refuse collection and construction and maintenance of roads. Concerning fiscal capacity, the results are presented in relation to sources of revenue and expenditure pattern. The results for the effectiveness of community participation are presented with respect to the functions, strengths, participation experiences and constraints of the area (ward) development committees