Citizens Meeting with Local Government Representatives
Citizens Meeting with Local Government Representatives
Venue: Town Municpal Hall
Hub Chowki, District Lasbela, Balochistan
Dated: 23-05-2023
Transparency International Pakistan, in partnership with WANG, successfully organized a social accountability session titled “Citizens’ Meeting with Local Government Representatives” at the Town Municipal Hall in Hub Chowki, district Lasbela, Balochistan. The primary objective of the session was to create a platform for fruitful interaction and dialogue between local government representatives and citizens, enabling them to discuss the challenges and issues they encounter while carrying out their respective duties and to provide platform to discuss their local problems with the local govt representatives. The event also served as an opportunity for councilors and members of the local government to familiarize themselves with the local government law specific to Balochistan. The session hosted a total of 37 participants, comprising 31 males and 06 females. The participants belonged to local government representatives, teachers, social mobilizers, journalists, and students.
The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Followed by a welcome address by Mr. Khalil Ronjha, representative from WANG. Then the participants gave their introduction. Later, Mr. Ashfaque Ahmed, Project Coordinator, TI Pakistan introduced Transparency International’s work in Pakistan, its mandate and past projects. He also highlighted the importance of the session, and briefly introduced the concept of social accountability. He also informed the participants and members of the local government representatives that event is an interactive engagement between the local government representatives and the citizens.
Mr. Khalil Ronjha from WANG provided a comprehensive overview of the local government system in Balochistan. He explained the structure of the government and shed light on its operational mechanisms. Additionally, he emphasized the role of local government members in tax collection and allocating funds for development projects based on public demands. Furthermore, he discussed the budget approval process, outlining the steps involved in ensuring effective financial management within the local government system.
Following the presentation, Mr. Razaque Lasi, local councilor, addressed the participants and expressed his appreciation for TI Pakistan’s initiative in organizing the event. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the community, emphasizing that there is a shortage of resources which hinder local government officials ability to effectively address citizens issues. However, he emphasized that the local governments have the potential and the ability to provide essential services directly to the people within their jurisdiction. This include services such as waste management, water supply, sanitation, road maintenance, and public transportation. By being closer to the community, local governments can ensure more efficient and responsive service delivery tailored to the specific needs of the area.
Afterwards, Mr. Jaffer Rind, local councilor, addressed with the participants and said that people have given them votes, and wanted them to resolve their problems. However, most of the local government representatives have no awareness about their powers, and LG laws. He further said that the local government offers a platform for citizens to actively participate in the decision-making processes. This participatory approach strengthens democracy and ensures that decisions reflect the aspirations and priorities of the community.
Ms. Kosar Masieh, local councilor from minority group appreciated the efforts of TI Pakistan in organizing such an event. She shared with the participants that she was a social worker, and was elected as a councilor after 30 years of struggle. She said while providing services, they should not discriminate about communities. She said scarcity of water, gas and electricity are the most important problems they are facing in their day to day lives. They are somehow managing it, but now these problems should be resolved.
Chairman Municipal Corporation Hub, Babo Faiz Muhammad, expressed his views that TI Pakistan should organize training programs for all local government (LG) members, urging them to arrange a larger-scale event. He assured TI Pakistan of their support and assistance in coordinating such an endeavor. Addressing the issue of limited funds, he mentioned plans to generate additional revenue by implementing taxes on shops and markets. He emphasized the importance of decentralizing powers to the local level, enabling effective resolution of the community’s issues. He further highlighted the significance of such events, as they bridge the gap between citizens and LG representatives, fostering better understanding and communication.
During the Q&A session, participants raised pertinent questions and concerns with the local government (LG) members. One citizen highlighted the challenges faced by individuals in obtaining birth and death certificates, emphasizing the need for a simplified procedure to acquire these essential documents. Another citizen inquired about plans to repair the damaged roads following the recent flood. A journalist from AJJ TV asked question from the Chairman Muncipal Corporation Hub regarding the prioritization of limited funds. Ms. Kosar Masieh made a specific request to the chairman, urging for an increase in the number of sweepers to effectively tackle the cleanliness issues. A student expressed concern about waste management and sanitation services in the area, seeking information about the steps being taken to ensure their effectiveness.
In response, the Chairman attentively addressed each question. He acknowledged that despite being an industrial area, Hub has been neglected by the authorities. He assured the audience that he is consistently reminding the provincial government to allocate sufficient funds to resolve these pressing issues. Additionally, another participant raised a question about traffic problems, specifically regarding rickshaw drivers who do not follow traffic rules. The Chairman assured the citizen that such matters would be communicated to the relevant authorities for appropriate action. Mr. Ashfaque Ahmed assured LG representatives that TI Pakistan will organize more activities focused on LG laws to mainstream better understanding of provincial local government laws.
The interactive Q&A session provided a platform for citizens to directly engage with the LG members, allowing for the exchange of ideas, concerns, and potential solutions. It demonstrated the commitment of the Chairman and the local government to address the needs and issues raised by the community.
The event was given coverage in the social media and local press.
