IDASA TO EMPOWER LOCAL GOVERNMENT
	Maseru, May 07 - The Manager of Local Government Centre for the Institute of Democratic Alternative for South Africa (IDASA) says decentralisation is an effective tool to achieve better governance, strengthen democracy, increase citizen participation and improve quality of service delivery. Delivering a speech at the consultative meeting on SADC decentralization project held in Maseru on Wednesday, Mr Siyabonga Memela said the objective of the project is to assist the deepening of democracy by strengthening the capacity of both Government and Non Government actors in the region and at local level. He said the project proposes to focus on SADC countries of which Lesotho is part as they share a different colonial history and will thus offer the project a rich base for comparison. He showed that as part of the assessment tool, the project will use the Local Government Barometer that will ensure that there is good governance, effectiveness within the Local Government, accountability and the engagement of participation of citizens. He indicated that the project is expected to will start this year in the country. In an interview, the Chief Local Government officer Miss 'Matebello Mohlakoana said the project will be of great importance as will encompass the public participation in issues relating to Local Government. He said the contribution from the civil society will contribute to towards the effectiveness of the Local Government. The project is funded by Swiss Development Cooperation based in Pretoria, South Africa and it will run for 3 years.
	Source: LENA