Support to Local Government Reform

Project GAM/97/007 -- Start Year: 1998; Approved Budget: US$ 200,000; 
End Year: 2001;
Implementing Agent:  DoS Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs
Executing Agent: UNOPS.

Brief Description:

In May 1997 the 2nd National Conference on Local Government Reform was held in Basse organised by Government, in collaboration with UNDP. The Conference discussed the legal framework of local government, the new role of central government, local government finance, and the role of NGO's/CBO's in the decentralisation process. Based on the discussions Policy Objectives, a Strategy and Plan of Action for Reform of the Local Government System was developed and approved by Cabinet in December 1997.

UNDP is presently providing the initial support to Local Government Reforms through an preparatory project assisting Government in creating a framework for the operationalisation of the new decentralisation strategy, through the establishment of the necessary Programme Co-ordinating and Management Mechanisms and the legal/financial structures. It is envisaged that once finalised UNDP and UNCDF will support the comprehensive decentralisation programme within the National Governance Policy. EU/EDF and DFID have also expressed interest in assisting Government in the Local government Reform Programme.

Objectives:

To create a framework for the operationalisation of the new decentralisation strategy which is aimed at extending the process of democratisation to the local level by promoting the direct participation of the population in the management of their own affairs. The PA will therefore assist in the establishment of the necessary Programme Co-ordination and Management Mechanisms and the Legal/Financial Structures for the Implementation of the Government Reforms.