Governance and Economic Training to Hai District

The training was organized by CETA and CGG & ED with the support of HSF. It took place at the Hai District Council Hall from 2nd – 6th September 2013 focused on the effective implementation of the principles of good governance and developing positive relationship between local authorities and PETS committees. All together 46 participants composed of Councillors, Ward Executive Officers (WEOs), Hai PETS Team, Council Officials (DPLO & DCDO), and Division Officers (DOs) attended the training.

The workshop was officiated by Hai District Commissioner Mr. Novatus Makunga who was accompanied by the District Executive Director (Hai), Mr.Melkizedeck Humbe, Mr. Konrad Teichert (HSF Deputy Regional Representative), Mr.Salim Olotu(Director of CETA) and Mr. Haji Dachi (Director of CGG & ED).

In his opening speech, Mr. Makunga noted that according to the Decentralization by Devolution (D-by-D) Policy, the central government authorities transferred more responsibilities of the decision making and resources to local government authorities with the overall objective of improving service delivery to the public. He underlined as well that this training shall assist the government officials to understand the power limitations and legal relations between the Central and Local government in the same administrative area.

He reminded the participants (government officials) to adopt the development initiative “Big Result Now” (BRN) that shall ensure clear implementation of various projects. He called upon their commitments so that they can reach – according to the initiative – quick results in different sectors like water, education, transport, energy and minerals after the training.

The workshop covered areas such as accountability, transparency, rule of law, responsiveness, inclusiveness, human rights and service delivery. It also addressed roles and responsibilities of councillors and WEOs in effecting the principles of good governance and democracy. Participants were also exposed on Public Expenditure Tracking System (PETS) as a tool for promoting transparency, accountability, good service delivery and civic engagement in governmental affairs. In generally PETS builds capacity to the local communities to hold leaders accountable.

In addition, participants were trained on how they can increase income for economic development whereby they were skilled to establish and effectively manage SACCOS, VICOBA and find markets for local producers to empower them economically and socially.

At the end participants agreed on several resolutions. Among others they underlined the importance of the establishment and implementation of PETS to the remaining wards of Hai District, provision of training on effective meeting management and minutes writing and dissemination of civic education to both leaders and public at large.