Local Governments Advance Technology Use to Boost Performance

17 March, Kathmandu : A workshop on technological tools adopted by local governments of Sindhupalchowk district concluded on Monday. The workshop offered an opportunity to share learning about adoption and application of social accountability tools and mechanisms by Barhabise municipality and Sunkoshi rural municipality as well as benefits of technological tools and their application at people’s level.

At the workshop organized by Tuki Sangh Sunkoshi at Barhabise under the ‘Sustainable Use of Technology for Public Sector Accountability in Nepal (SUSASAN)’, various speakers noted that the adoption of social accountability and technological tools has improved local governments’ efficiency for delivering public services. On the occasion, chair of National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal Hom Narayan Shrestha said the development and adoption of technological tools have become effective in making government works pro-public and enhancing citizens engagement in decision-making process.

“The Association is interested to replicate the grievance management system to redress citizens’ complaints, judicial management system to manage disputes and dispense justice and e-recommendation system to make ward works prompt and convenient”. He also pledged to take initiative from the Association to get all rural municipalities to adopt the tools, which were successfully piloted at Barhabise and Sunkoshi. Also speaking on the occasion, Barhabise municipality deputy mayor Sushila Pakhrin said the technological advancement and adoption has made it easier for them to deliver their performances.

The municipal information and data have been digitized and disclosed for public consumption, which has promoted informed participation of citizens in public affairs, said SUSASAN Sindhupalchowk district project coordinator Samjhana Pyakurel.

The operation of information techno hub along with adoption of tools and mechanisms have helped expand citizens’ access to public information and explored their space for participation as well as leadership, she further noted. Likewise, the judicial management system has also gained popularity since it has been useful to manage dispute cases coming to the local governments.  With the development of such tools and mechanisms, many avenues have opened for citizens to engage and influence the local governments’ decisions.

The technological tools also have provided citizens’ digital access to the municipal policies, regulations and decisions, budget matters, citizen charter and availability of other essential services. Melamchi municipality’s Information Technology Officer Arpana Shrestha said the technological mechanisms, developed by SUSASAN project and adopted by Sunkoshi and Barhabise, have also been brought into use in Melamchi.

During the workshop, representatives from other local levels also expressed commitment to replicate the use of the technological tools in their local governments after making official decisions to that end. On the occasion, Saroj Bista of Young Innovations, a technological partner of SUSASAN, shared learning of the use and benefits of technological tools and mechanisms in light of citizen engagement and accountability.

Also speaking on the occasion, office-bearers of Lisankhupakhar rural municipality, Bhotekoshi rural municipality, Tripurasundari rural municipality, Chautara Sangachowkgadhi municipality and Balefi rural municipality took part in the learning sessions. The SUSASAN project is being implemented in Sindhupalchowk, Lalitpur, Achham, Bajhang, Dadeldhura and Kailali districts of Nepal with the funding of Global Affairs Canada and technical assistance of CECI.