Transparency is the watchword for most funding bodies; and in order to ensure that this is achieved, they always go to the field to ensure that projects are going on as planned. Against this backdrop, a delegation from the World Bank, led by Emmanuel Sene as well as representatives from donors like C2D and KFW were in the North West Region on Friday December 17 to get firsthand information on the level of implementation of the National Community-driven Development Programme, PNDP.
The PNDP is one of the technical frameworks put in place by the government to facilitate the ongoing decentralization process. The programme which is being implemented through the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development is funded by the World Bank, C2D and KFW. The programme that went operational in the North West Region this year is already making a mark with the series of seminars for council officials to build their capacities and ensure that the projects will be implemented as per the standard of donor organization. At the helm of PNDP North West, Cyprian Sab has ensured that the seven councils chosen from the region are fully involved.
Within the framework of the follow up of PNDP activities, the delegation from World Bank and others learnt from the Belo Council that all has been put in place to ensure its practical take off. The Mayor, Tosam Bernard, revealed that a Local Support Organization, LSO, has been recruited and was optimistic that by April 2011, the council development plan will be out for implementation to begin. For the Mayor of the Widikum Boffe Council, Ongey Jerry, the people are anxiously waiting to see PNDP on the field. He said after the signing of the agreement with PNDP, all has been going on as planned as the Local Support Organization is already working on the field to come up with the council development plan.
The National Coordinator for PNDP, Mary-Magdalene Ngah was around to explain that the council development plan is a guide to enable the council develop properly. She said the plan also assists the government in drawing up the investment budget for the country. She reminded the people that PNDP does not come in to give out money to the public, but to assist them develop their communities. She urged the various councils concerned to sensitize their people more on the activities of PNDP.
On the whole, the head of the World Bank delegation, Emmanuel Sene expressed satisfaction with the work covered so far. “We are satisfied that all the councils visited are on track. If the council development plans are out by March and April 2011 as explained by the LSO, this will be good timing.” He equally acknowledged that the financing of the various projects will start by June- July 2011. He was quick to add that the interest of the World Bank is to identify the needs of the people and to help develop their areas in order to ensure that the world becomes a better place.
