Third phase of local governance programme launched in Somaliland
The joint programme, which is led by the Somaliland Government in partnership with the UN, works to improve the lives of Somali people and promote peace through accountable and effective local government.
28 August 2018 - The Government of Somaliland has launched a third phase of the United Nations Joint Programme on Local Governance (JPLG), at a high-level meeting this week in Hargeisa. The joint programme, which is led by the Somaliland Government in partnership with the UN, works to improve the lives of Somali people and promote peace through accountable and effective local government.
The programme began in 2008 in Somaliland and has delivered accountable and effective local government systems and services with schools, health centres, roads and marketplaces built and developed through participatory planning with local communities.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President of Somaliland Mr. Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail
said co-operation between central, regional, and local government has been strengthened through the programme. “Devolution and improved financial systems has led to better education and health facilities in target districts, which has increased student enrolment, access to health facilities, access to roads, and local revenue,” he said.
The Minister of Interior, Mr. Mohamed Kaahin Ahmed highlighted the insight local knowledge brings to the programme. “Local stakeholders can use their experience to translate policies into practice, which, with the coordination by all actors, contributes to better mutual understanding among stakeholders and makes initiatives led by the Ministry of Interior and council authorities possible.”
UNICEF Deputy Representative, Jesper Moller, speaking on behalf of the UN family, commenting on the achievements of the programme said “We have seen significant increases in school enrolment with schools in Berbera district, for example, seeing 30% increase since 2014. We can achieve local governments that are working, that can be held accountable and that can deliver quality services. It is equally important that women, youth and minority groups have representatives in the local government councils so that their voice is heard in the decision making avenues.”
The third phase will see the Government now focus on improving urban services, delivering legislation, ensuring gender inclusion, and building better local government taxation and finance systems across districts in Somaliland.
The United Nations Joint Programme on Local Governance is implemented by five UN agencies – the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN-Habitat, UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The programme is supported by funding from Denmark, the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, USAID, the United Kingdom, and the UN Peacebuilding Fund.
