Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development

Community-Level Governance
Explored at National Public Consultation

KABUL, 18 November, 2007 –

A national public consultation, took place in Kabul from November 10 to 15, 2007 in the Loya Jirga tent to discussion and debate about the current and future role of Community Development Councils (CDCs) in Afghanistan.

Co-sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) and the Independent Directorate for Local Administration/Governance (IDLG), the jirga was an opportunity for CDC delegates, government ministry representatives, NGOs, and members of international community to observe and exchanges views and experiences about the role of CDCs, which been established in 345 of a total of 398 districts and provincial centres, throughout all 34 provinces of the country.

“The jirga allowed CDC delegates, non-governmental organizations and international donors, to discuss the success and challenges experienced by CDCs in workshops and general discussions,” said H.E. Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development.

 “The jirga was also an opportunity to demonstrate to the international community the extent to which the government of Afghanistan is consulting with and involving the Afghan public in decisions regarding priority issues impacting their future and the future of our nation.”

 

Jirga participants drafted nine resolutions designed to improve the working relationship between the government and CDCs across Afghanistan. The resolutions also addressed issues related to how CDCs should operate in the nation’s villages.

Approximately 500 CDC male and female representatives from all 34 provinces attended the Jirga also representatives from all levels of government and national and international NGOs, and participants from other interested groups.

As of 30 September 2007, NSP covers in 345 of 398 districts across all 34 provinces. As of 30 September 2007, 18,303 CDCs have been established in 19,106 villages through a democratic election process. Both men and women have participated in the CDC election in every village. Approximately 17,917 CDCs have formulated community development plans, which include the construction of local bridges, wells, schools, and roads. CDCs promote unity, solidarity and good governance by ensuring the active and responsible participation of villagers in their own future.

The National Solidarity Program (NSP) was created by the Government of Afghanistan to develop the ability of Afghan communities to identify, plan, manage and monitor their own development projects.  NSP promotes a new development paradigm whereby communities are empowered to make decisions and manage resources during all stages of the project cycle. The program lays the foundation for a sustainable form of inclusive local governance, rural reconstruction, and poverty alleviation.

For more information, please contact:

Ajmal Paiman, MRRD spokesman at mobile 070652860

Email: anp@mrrd.gov.af

Darul- Aman Road, Nila bagh, Kabul Afghanistan

Telephone: (9320) 2100481 or (9320) 2101387