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(3).  Decentralization 

In Section 4.4.3. (Decentralization and Local Governance), the RGC observes that “a correlation between poverty reduction and decentralization is not automatic.” The reference goes on to almost quote word for word the NGO CG Statement on this subject.  

The RCG plans to “strengthen local planning capacities so that the indicators relating to poverty reduction, equitable distribution of resources, gender, children, ethnic minorities, and disabled person must be incorporated in commune development planning and plans. These indicators most be regularly monitored and results contained in the annual reports.” 

The NPRS also observes that “As the decentralization process unfolds, the strict definition of duties and tasks at all government levels: national, provincial, district and commune will evolve,” and that “In order to achieve successful implementation, capacity building will be crucial at all levels.” 

The NPRS also states that; “Capacity building for some NGOs working at the grassroots level is also important. Participation by an active grassroots civil society and capacity building of civil society. Civil society in Cambodia has little experiencing in interacting with local authorities or monitors and capacity building is essential. All citizens must be informed of their rights, the means of exercising those rights, and how to provide feedback to government. Citizens must know the powers and duties of the Councils in order to develop the capacity to hold their elected representatives accountable.” 

In this regard, “government encourages partnership among CCs, NGOs and private sector in planning, resource mobilization, capacity building, investment, and delivery of services.” 

The government intends to “accelerate deconcentration by formulating and passing necessary legal instruments for deconcentration. The government also states its intention to “avail development grant assistance to CCs to execute local level development programs and deliver services. For example:

Proposed Intergovernmental Transfers to Communes, 2001-2005

Source: Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MEF***

In terms of its support for Commune Councils, the government intends to strengthen DOLA and POLAs to provide technical support for CCs.

The MRD plans to strengthen the capacity of VDCs through training, revalidating existing VDCs; and establish an additional 1,000 VDCs (Annex 3). In Section 4.4.4., the NPRS says that the RCG plans to expand the number of VDCs and expand the number of villages in the SEILA program to 1,216 village sin 17 provinces by 2005. To promote gender equity, the membership composition of the VDCs has to comprise 30% women.

NGO Action: 

In the NGO CG Statement, NGOs recommended “to foster the participation of an active grassroots civil society and to provide adequate and transparent funding in order to establish Commune Councils legitimacy within their communities.” Possible follow-up includes:

• Monitor the development of roles and responsibilities of the CCs, including relevant sub-decrees;
• Monitor the mobilization and allocation of pubic resources, including the disbursement of intergovernmental transfers in a transparent manner;
• Continue providing information to RGC and NGOs regarding decentralization;
• Monitor and promote local participation (including women) in the CC and VDC development planning;
• Monitor and promote women’s representation on the VDCs and CCs;
• Clarify NGO relationships and roles vis-à-vis the Commune Councils and the local development planning process, including capacity building for VDC and CC members;
• Develop useful performance and impact indicators for monitoring CCs.

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