The policy implications of accountability in municipal service delivery in Sudan

Published on: 19/12/2008

Musch, A. (2008). The policy implications of accountability in municipal service delivery in Sudan. The Hague, The Netherlands, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 11 pp.

Over a period of about eight years, many channels were created in the city through which citizens could express their concerns and demands. This compelled the local government to improve the quality of its services (drinking water, waste, health and education), issue rules that were seen to be fair, and allow the leaders of a great many citizens' associations and participatory platforms access to decision-making procedures. Key elements in the process were increased public awareness of rights and standards, changed civic attitudes, the involvement of a critical mass of citizens, and recognition by the city authorities that they are dependent on these associations and platforms. Outside help was provided by Eindhoven, a twin city in the Netherlands through hands-on municipal service projects. Much of the funding came from VNG International's LOGO South programme. This paper looks at how results were achieved in Gedaref and where the external actors had the greatest influence in bringing about change. It concludes with lessons and advice for donors who may wish to facilitate similar processes.

The paper recommends that donor officials:

• accept that effecting changes in accountability takes between five and ten years;
• spend less time on designing the best aid distribution channels and more time on finding trusted implementers;
• reward approaches that create choice for citizens and reach a critical mass of participation, and discourage approaches based on ‘the best accountability mechanism under the circumstances', which are only open to a small group;
• accept approaches based on general principles that involve many civic organisations and multiple ways to reorient accountability downwards, but insist on details when it comes to the incentives.