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Kyrgyzstan
>> Regional Overview >> Kyrgyzstan Overview Activity Data Sheet
PROGRAM: Kyrgyzstan
TITLE & NUMBER: More Effective, Responsive, and Accountable Local Governance 116-023
STATUS: New
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,700,000 FSA
PROPOSED FY 2002 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,500,000 FSA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2001 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2005Summary: The purpose of this objective is to strengthen local governments as both democratic and service-providing institutions by introducing democratic practices in targeted communities; improving local government capacity; and increasing local government authority. Technical assistance and training helps to improve the interaction and decision-making processes between elected council members and appointed administrators. This assistance strengthens indigenous training programs for local officials, managers, and staff so as to introduce higher standards of transparency and accountability in local governance. Advisors, exchanges, publications, and support to local municipal associations and think tanks promote greater understanding and support for decentralization among national and local policymakers and foster greater dialogue between the capitol and the regions.
Program Categories include support for local government management capacity.
Key Results: Three key results are required to achieve this objective: 1) the introduction of democratic practices in targeted local governments; 2) increased local government capacity; and 3) increased local government authority.
Performance and Prospects: There was considerable receptivity at the local level to USAID's previous local government strategy. Until just recently, there was little indication that the national government is willing to make systematic changes towards decentralization and local government reform. In January 2001 the president announced that elections for the mayors of village and self-government cities will take place in October 2001. Current indications are that the elections will be a controlled affair, but there is some hope that international and domestic opinion, as expressed by parliament and civic groups, will strengthen the process.
Thus far, the modest authorities that have been given to self-governing cities by law have not been implemented in all localities because of resistance from the administrative level over it. Local governments continue to exert no effective control over local taxes and fees. The central authorities predetermine 80% to 90% of USAID's pilot cities' budgets. Much remains to be done in the areas of budgeting, revenue raising and revenue sharing involving the Ministry of Finance. Budgeting and financial management assistance is coordinated with the mission's fiscal reform strategic objective. Assistance with asset management has led to collaboration with the USAID land registration effort.
Notwithstanding government inaction, there were a number of positive events over the past year. A growing number of public hearings were held. Local Economic Development Boards were launched with participation of NGOs and businesspeople in the pilot cities of Uzgen, Kant, Tokmok, and Naryn. Improved management practices in the area of financial and communal property management have been adopted by the four pilot cities and are ready for dissemination to other self-government cities. Condominium promotion was again one of the most successful activities, leading to an increase in the number of condominiums from 132 to 222 during this reporting period. Despite the resistance to condominium formation by the Bishkek city maintenance agency, eight condominiums were formed in the city. USAID is supporting condominium promotion and training through regional housing associations in Bishkek, Osh, and Jalal-Abad. In 2000 the city of Naryn adopted a composting plan as a result of the Naryn-Great Falls, Montana partnership. Visitors from Great Falls provided immediate remedies for the redevelopment of the city water/wastewater infrastructure and offered tools to solve longer-term, capital intensive reconstruction. The city of Great Falls donated a garbage truck -- shipment is expected in spring 2001. The truck will help to cover up to 80% of the city's needs and improve garbage collection.
In 2000 the Association of Cities of the Kyrgyz Republic, representing all 20 Kyrgyz cities, established itself as an independent, non-governmental organization in order to advocate for local government interests. The association provides a counterbalance to the pro-government Congress of Local Communities. The most talented staff of the Congress has joined the new association.
In FY 2001, USAID intends to obligate $1,700,000 for training and technical assistance activities to strengthen local government management capacity. In FY 2002, USAID will continue to support the development of accountable local government by strengthening their legal authority, improving financial and administrative operations, helping them to deliver services efficiently and strengthening the roles of elected local councils.
Beneficiaries: The ultimate beneficiaries are city dwellers, who benefit from the opportunity to convey their priorities to local government authorities and who enjoy improved services. Immediate beneficiaries are elected and appointed local government officials and staff, as well as officials of non-governmental housing associations and staff attending training.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: None anticipated.
Other Donor Programs: The World Bank, United Nation Development Program (UNDP), and the Soros Foundation also support activities with a local government dimension. A UNDP decentralization program focuses on rural areas. The Soros Foundation funds an awards program for housing associations. USAID, in turn, publicizes the award program to condominiums and oversees its evaluation according to USAID-developed standards of what constitutes a good condominium.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: The Urban Institute is the prime contractor of the Local Government Initiative; Barents and TRG are sub-contractors. The International City/County Management Association is implementing a Resource Cities partnership between Naryn and Great Falls, Montana. The Academy for Educational Development (AED) coordinates participant training. Eurasia Foundation has provided grants to housing groups and university-based public administration programs.
FY 2002 Performance Table
Selected Performance Measures: More Effective, Responsive, and Accountable Local Governance 116-023
Indicator FY97 (Actual) FY98 (Actual) FY99 (Actual) FY00 (Actual) FY01 (Plan) FY02 (Plan) Indicator 1: Public confidence in local government increases N/A N/A N/A 25% 26% 27% Indicator 2: Increase in use of participatory and transparent governance practices in target local governments N/A N/A 8% 33% 50% 83% Indicator 3: Improvement in management practices in target municipalities N/A N/A 4% 25% 58% 66% Indicator Information:
Indicator Level (S)or(IR) Unit of Measure Source Indicator Description Indicator 1: S Percent Public poll Public confidence is defined as public attitudes to local governments. The assumption is that the adoption of democratic practices by local governments and the increase of their capacities and authority will be reflected in the increase of public confidence in local government. Method of calculation: percent of people expressing confidence in city administration Indicator 2: IR Percent Urban Institute monthly and annual reports The indicator tracks the dissemination of USAID-promoted citizen participation practices (techniques) or transparent practices institutionalized by target municipalities. " Participatory practices" include such practices as open hearings, task forces, commissions, economic development boards; "Transparent procedures" include publications, open council meetings, information offices, budget-in-briefs. Method of calculation: percent of target local governments that use transparent procedures and vehicles for citizen involvement. Indicator 3: LLR Percent Urban Institute monthly and annual reports The indicator measures increased local government capacities. USAID promotes "good local practices" to increase local government capacities. "Good local practices" include competitive procurement practices, capital or program budgeting, financial and budget management techniques, strategic planning; inventory maintenance, or disposal of communal property, functional and organizational analysis and reorganizations made basing on this analysis. Method of calculation: percent of target municipalities using new good management practices. U.S. Financing
(In thousands of dollars)
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Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
