UNDP in Kassala: Towards Delivering Better Basic Services to Citizens

On April 29, 2012, UNDP in collaboration with Kassala State Ministry of Finance conducted a series of training courses on Social Auditing and, Comprehensive Spending Review which targeted a wide spectrum of local officials.

The methodology of the training was specially designed to provide adequate knowledge and skills towards creating a positive attitude for the effective implementation of State budgeting in localities.

This training programme came as part of UNDP’s efforts to promote capacity building in Kassala State via supporting Eastern Sudan Government in strengthening decentralization to help establish democratic systems of local governance and management of public expenditure.

Among the different programmes for managing public expenditure is the Local Governance Public Expenditure Management Programme which is an ambitious flagship programme providing policy advice in financial resource management, reformation on decentralization and trainings to government and non-governmental institutions involved in the implementation of activities on finance management.

Kassala State Minister of Finance, Mr. Mohamed Osman Abbas addressed the opening session of the training: “We highly appreciate UNDP’s support which has enabled us to contribute greatly to the achievement of social development programmes leading to a decline in the number of corruption cases and to the improvement of different institution’s accountability. Auditing is an integral part of an institutional framework which supports good governance and the realization of a state’s welfare. To achieve our goals, we depend greatly on the efficient and effective utilization of limited resources. Therefore, the role of auditing is essential in monitoring the utilization of programmes resources and this training is instrumental in achieving this goal,”

As a follow up to the workshops, participants proposed the formation of a committee for the drafting of a Manual on Social Audit. Other recommendations included ensuring citizens’ participation in the audit programmes with the aim of improving the skills of auditors to communicate with relevant citizens directly.

The UNDP Programme for Eastern Sudan advocating for change and connecting the region to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. From 2009 to 2011 UNDP delivered around 26.3 Million to East Sudan through 70 development projects.

As the leading agency, UNDP Sudan focuses on achieving the Millennium Development Goals, developing the capacity of local Government, promoting rule of law and enhancing access to justice, also UNDP improving security through the implementation of DDR, mine action and community security programme. UNDP partnership with Eastern States and Federal government, local and international NGOs as well as local communities are the key achievement to fulfill the needs of the people in Eastern Sudan.