OVERVIEW

The objective of RAMP UP South is to create effective, responsive, democratic, transparent, accountable, and gender sensitive municipal governance in targeted municipalities in southern Afghanistan.  RAMP UP South works to improve the overall capacity of municipal officials, support local authorities’ efforts to improve service delivery, and improve economic development and revenue generation at the municipal level.  RAMP UP South works to improve services provided to Afghan citizens, increase community understanding municipal leaders’ responsibilities, and encourage communities to play an active role in the municipal decision-making process.  In doing so, the program increases the legitimacy of local governance structures.  RAMP UP South operates in six provincial municipalities:Kandahar City (Kandahar), Lashkar Gah (Hilmand), Tirin Kot (Uruzgan), Zaranj (Nimroz), Qalat (Zabul), and Nili (Daykundi).

ACTIVITIES

•  Capacity-Building of Afghan Government Municipal Officials: Enhance the capacity of municipal officials to perform core municipal management activities in order to provide services to citizens.  Activities under this component support the sustainability of service delivery and revenue generation systems implemented by municipalities and increase citizen involvement in local governance.
• Support for Responsive, Effective, and Visible Municipal Service Delivery Programs: Build the foundations for well-managed, self-funded and sustainable municipal service provision.  Service delivery is a key determinant of citizens’ satisfaction with municipal government and plays a vital role in improving the living conditions and livelihoods of local residents.
• Support the Improved Municipal Economic Development and Revenue Generation: Increase municipality revenues by: 1) building the capacity of municipalities to create new revenue streams through parcel registration and business licenses; 2) providing technical assistance to municipalities to formulate basic services delivery budgets; and, 3) initiating public-private partnerships.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Worked with mayors and the Independent Directorate of Local Governance to develop municipal improvement plans;
• Trained over 400 municipal officials to improve the sustainability of service delivery and revenue generation activities;
• Integrated and institutionalized citizen participation in public resource decision-making, particularly among women and youth, through gender awareness workshops and women’s advocacy groups;
• Expanded communications platforms for municipal governments through the establishment of two Information Service Desks, which have increased municipal outreach, efficiency and transparency;
• Implemented solid waste collection and management programs in all target municipalities;
• Collaborated with local governments on nine public latrine construction projects;
• Implemented the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) in all six municipalities;
• Worked with municipalities to prepare realistic and accurate annual budgets for year 1391;
• Rolled out parcel registration and business licensing programs in all six municipalities;
• Established a public private partnership (PPP) in Qalat and worked to build PPPs in other municipalities in order to generate revenue and to promote economic growth.