Annual Report 2004 KS International Projects Preface
By Halvdan Skard, President of KS, Councillor in Bærum Municipal Council, Member of the Executive Bureau of Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Vice-President of Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE), Member of the World Council of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)
KS – The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional tic areas where KS is involved. The activities are with a Authorities – is a national association for all the 434 muni- few exceptions all financed by the Norwegian government cipalities and 19 county authorities of Norway. In addition through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA) and the Nor- approx. 500 enterprises owned by local/regional govern- wegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). ment or operating in markets created by local/regional Through the international projects KS acts as a partner government are members of KS. with the Norwegian government and implements coope- ration activities within the framework of Norwegian foreign KS is an interest-, employer and advisory association. The policy. main goal is to work for the common interest of its mem- bers in order to develop good framework conditions for the development of good governance and democracy. KS As the list of cooperation activities shows, many of KS’ is the main channel for dialogue with national government members share the positive will to strengthen the inter- institutions. The organisation is also conducting central national contacts through mutual exchange of experien- bargaining on behalf of the members as employers, vis-à- ces. KS has taken the role of coordinating many of the vis the trade unions. In its capacity as advisory body, KS is international activities that our members undertake, thus working closely with the members to develop efficient and contributing to efficient and professional programmes and effective service provision for the inhabitants. opening access to the national funds available for interna- tional cooperation projects. KS has for the last 15 years been involved in international cooperation projects in Europe, Africa and Asia. This An- In Europe, the Council of Europe sets standards for good nual Report for the year 2004 on KS’ international project and efficient local government and people’s participa- activities gives an overview of the geographic and thema- tion in decision-making processes through the European
2 Charter on Local Self Government and other documents related to the development of local democracy. The same requirements apply to countries in the rest of the world, adapted to local geographical and political conditions and with poverty alleviation and sustainable development as main goals.
An important guideline for KS’ international cooperation activities is that the partner institution or organisation shall decide their own priorities for the cooperation with KS. Mutual exchange of experiences and exposure to Norwe- gian local government are of help in the process of ma- king these priorities. Direct contact between the partners creates a better understanding on both sides. International cooperation has a positive influence not only on the coo- peration partners, but also on KS and Norwegian local and regional government as a whole.
Oslo, 10. January 2005
3 Obilic, Kosovo Activities in 2004 in retrospect By Øystein Haugen, International Project Coordinator
The year 2004 has resulted in several changes in the direc- successfully repeated for the fifth time, and the municipal tion of international projects with KS involvement. cooperation programme between Russian and Norwegian municipalities was continued. In Africa, the cooperation with partners in Malawi and Tan- zania was strengthened, while the co-operation in South KS’ involvement in cooperation activities with the acces- Africa and Zambia within local government development sion countries to the European Union (EU) was terminated was terminated. as ten new countries became member of the EU in May 2004. However, KS laid down a substantial amount of work In Asia, the cooperation with institutions in Pakistan was to develop opportunities for KS and Norwegian local and elaborated further, while the civil war in Nepal has halted regional government and public enterprises to continue the co-operation with our sister organisation. the cooperation with these countries through the Financial Mechanism established within the framework of the Euro- In the Caucasus region, the cooperation with Azerbaijan pean Economic Area (EEA) Agreement and a Norwegian continued, and the broad cooperation with the Council of Bilateral Financial Mechanism. Europe in Georgia was very successful and ended with the Georgians creating a national local government associa- The main areas for KS’ international project activities in tion at the end of the year. 2004 were:
In the former Yugoslavia, the good cooperation with • Cooperation with local government associations. Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Kosovo This is a key activity for KS and association capacity continued from the previous year, while cooperation with building projects took place in Malawi, Zambia, South institutions in Croatia was established. Africa, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina. KS was also involved in With Russia the training programme for civil servants was establishing new associations in Georgia,
4 Participants of Russian – Norwegian training programme. Nkotakota, Malawi Arkhangelsk, Russia.
Seminar participants for Municipal International Cooperaiton. Mukono, Seminar in Baku, Azerbaijan Uganda
Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Bosnia-Hercegovina, • Councillor training programme. • UNDP on gender as a crosscutting issue, This is an activity closed linked to cooperation with • the Norwegian Institute of Urban and Regional local government associations. Development of Research on crosscutting research activities, Councillor training programmes took place in Malawi • Agder Research Foundation in Tanzania and and Bosnia-Hercegovina. • the British consultancy agency People and • Municipal International Cooperation (MIC) includes Organisation in Vietnam. cooperation with municipalities in Uganda, Zambia, KS has also had informal cooperation with a wide range of Namibia, South Africa, Malawi and Madagascar. national and international organisations and institutions. The MIC programmes for Bosnia-Hercegovina, Serbia and Montenegro and Russia were also continued, and To create a stronger and broader national platform for the the cooperation in Kosovo also partly involves direct international cooperation activities, KS has throughout the municipal cooperation. year had extensive cooperation with the Norwegian Freds- • Environment and sustainable development has had korpset, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Local special priority in the cooperation with Government and Regional Development as well as the two Serbia-Montenegro. Norwegian NGOs; Friendship North/South and Idébanken. • Local economic development has been a key issue in the cooperation with Kosovo, South Africa and Further information about KS international project activities Azerbaijan. is available on www.ks.no/internasjonalt and www.ks.no/ english
KS has had formal cooperation with the following institu- tions: • the Dutch sister organisation VNG in
5 Overview of KS’ international projects 2004
The budget indicates the amount that KS manages, and The KS budget is funded by NMFA - Norwegian Ministry may represent only a small share of a larger Norwegian of Foreign Affairs, NORAD - The Norwegian Agency for contribution to a programme, or the amount may represent Development Cooperation or UNDP – United Nations De- the KS share in a co-financed project with other insti- velopment Programme. tutions. All amounts are stipulated in Norwegian Kroner (NOK). 100 NOK ≈ 12,10 �
Country Project Partners Budget and funding Azerbaijan Support to establishment of local KS - For The Sake Of Civil Society 50.000/NMFA government association
Strengthen local government and KS - For The Sake Of Civil Society, Municipalities 521.031/NMFA local economic development in 6 of Sarkar, Mingachevir, Yukhari Tala, Sarvan, pilot municipalities Jorat and Yasamal. Bosnia Municipal International Orkdal - Mostar 300.000/ NMFA Hercegovina Cooperation Sund – Konjic 300.000 KS coordination activities 100.000 Institutional cooperation with sister KS – The two local government associations 1.000.000/ NMFA organisation; councillor training in Bosnia Hercegovina and Vereniging van programme Nederlandse Gemeenten.
Croatia Pre-project mission: KS – The Union of the Association of Towns and 243.000/ NMFA Institutional cooperation with the Association of Municipalities. sister organisation, municipal Municipal partnerships to be established in 2005 international cooperation Georgia Support to establishment of local KS - Council of Europe, CIVITAS 1.800.000/NMFA government association
Development of National Training KS - Council of Europe, CIVITAS 1.000.000/ NMFA Strategy
Kosovo Pilot project in three municipalities KS - Hamar-Region, The Royal Norwegian 3.000.000/ NMFA for strengthening of local Society for Development, Business Innovation government and local economic Programs, Glogovac, Obilic, Kosovo Polje development Madagascar Municipal International Stavanger - Antsirabe 405.000/ NORAD Cooperation Malawi Municipal International Fredrikstad - Lilongwe 365.000/ NORAD Cooperation Flora - Nkotakota 365.000/ NORAD Institutional cooperation with sister KS – Malawian Local Government Association 25.184/ NORAD organisation and other donors Councillor training programme KS – Malawian Local Government Association 44.180/ NORAD and other donors. Programme for institutional KS – Department of Local Government in Malawi, 550.000/ NORAD cooperation between 8 training Bunda College, Chancellor College, Magomero institutions in Malawi and 5 in College, Malawi College of Accountancy, Malawi Norway Institute of Management, Malawi Polytecnic, Natural Resources College, Staff Development Institute, Agder University College/ Agder Research, Diakonhjemmet University College, Akershus University College, Vestfold University College/ HENEAR Research centre, Oslo University College
6 Country Project Partners Budget and funding Namibia Municipal International Elverum - Tsumeb 365.000/ NORAD Cooperation Kristiansand - Walvis Bay 365.000/ NORAD Pakistan Support to establishment of local KS - The Devolution Trust of Community 240.241/ NORAD government association Empowerment Russia Training of Russian Managers and KS - Confederation of Norwegian Business and 1.000.000/ NMFA Civil Servants Industry, Federal and Regional Commissions in Russia Municipal International Ballangen – Tosno 105.000/ NMFA Cooperation Gildeskål – Lodeynoye Pole 90.000 Narvik – Kingisepp 90.000 Steigen – Podporosje 90.000 Tysfjord – Kirisji 85.000 Nordland – Leningrad oblast 75.000 KS coordination activities 337.227 Serbia Institutional cooperation with sister KS – Standing Conference of Towns and 2.300.000/ NMFA Montenegro organisation Municipalities Municipal International Narvik – Kikinda 350.000/ NMFA Cooperation Buskerud – Obrenovac 250.000 Vefsn – Gornji Milanovac 350.000 Fauske – Melenci 350.000 Saltdal – Nis 350.000 Hemnes - Prokuplje 80.000 Levanger – Herceg Novi 250.000 KS coordination activities 160.000 South Africa Municipal International Vest-Agder - Thembisile 50.000/ NORAD Cooperation Support to establishment of KS - Statens Kartverk, Demarcation Board 0/ NORAD municipal structure Institutional cooperation with sister KS – South African Local Government 306.353/ NORAD organisation Association Strengthening of local government KS - City of Oslo, Mpumalanga Province 146.599/ NORAD on provincial level Strengthening of local government KS - City of Oslo, Mbombela Municipality 343.264/ NORAD on municipal level Support to local government KS – Department of Provincial and Local 203.423/ NORAD reform Government Tanzania Methods for cooperation between KS - Agder Research 330.000/ NORAD local governments and civil society Uganda Municipal International Gran – Mukono 253.000/ NORAD Cooperation Vietnam Support to Ministry of Planning KS - People & Organisation – Ministry of Planning 75.980/ UNDP and Investment to develop and and Investment implement a Comprehensive Capacity Building Program to improve the effectiveness of ODA (Official Development Assistances) Zambia Municipal International Eid - Mbala 365.000/ NORAD Cooperation Institutional cooperation with sister KS – Local Government Association of Zambia 135.000/ NORAD organisation. NORAD Development of general methods, KS 934.000/ NORAD tools, guidelines and indicators Coordination activities for MIC in KS 425.000/ NORAD Africa
7 Establishment of Local Government Association in Georgia By David Melua, Rapporteur of the Steering Group, President of “Civitas Georgica”
Events of November 2003 brought along significant The Constituent Forum of the National Association of changes in the political environment and the system of Local Self-Government Units of Georgia took place on governance in Georgia. The “Roses Revolution” showed 17 December 2004 in Tbilisi, with political and technical the will and the ability of the Georgian population to fortify support from KS and the Congress of Local and Regional democratic achievements. Now we are being granted a Authorities and the European Commission. 886 local self- unique opportunity to make democratic reforms advance governments out of a total of ca. 1000 were represented further. in the founding congress, as well as a large number of re- presentatives from international organisations. The Forum A National Association of Local Self-government Units of resulted in the official creation of the National Association Georgia, organised within the framework of the Joint Pro- of the Local Self-Government Units of Georgia with the gramme of Council of Europe, the European Commission approval of its legal statutes, the election of its President and KS, perfectly fits the demand. The National Associati- and the appointment of its Executive Board members. The on will unify and strengthen local self government units so founding forum was preceded by regional forums, and the that they can play an active role in a democratic society, hope is that the Association will be officially active in early foster good governance and deliver appropriate and good 2005. The establishment of the Association is an important quality services to their citizens. step towards a strengthened local democracy in Georgia, and it will contribute to the Georgian Delegation to the A Steering Group was set up for the purpose of establish- Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and in keeping ing a National Association, consisting of 16 political re- with the European Charter on Local Self-Government. presentatives of local government units, with an observer group including KS. Seven workshops have been held in The newly elected President of the National Association, the course of 2003-2004, and there have been a study visit Mr. Mamuka Abuladze, thanked the international com- for members of the Steering Group to Norway and Latvia. munity and KS for their support and appealed to all actors to work together and coordinate their efforts, so that this
8 National Association rapidly becomes strong and effective, from such international co-operation are mutual and help provides quality services to its members and becomes a to discover alternatives and best practices in the develop- valuable partner of the State for the benefits of Georgia ment of service provision, people’s participation and public and its people, as well as a link to local government in management. KS contribution in the project has been other Countries and to the Council of Europe. through financial and technical support to the Steering Group in organizational and administrative matters, public KS joined the process, aiming at favoring the creation of campaigning and information means, sharing experience a National Association of Local Self-Government Units of of Norway and Latvia, and financial support to the organi- Georgia started by the Council of Europe, in April 2004. sation of Regional and National Forum. We consider the partnership between the Associations as Tbilisi, 04.01.2005 an efficient and effective method to share experiences and create mutual learning processes. The benefits derived
9 Municipal cooperation in a globalised world By Bjørg Tysdal Moe, Deputy Mayor of the City of Stavanger, Member of KS Executive Board
The environment and contextual situation can vary gre- The City of Stavanger and Rogaland County have for many atly in different countries, yet local authorities everywhere decades had close contact with Madagascar. Rogaland face the same questions: How to increase opportunities has a long record of close connections with many African for local residents to influence on local decision making? countries through the missionary work and different kind of How to secure basic services? How to provide education, development work. Therefore, a great number of people in health care, and the basic infrastructure and protect the the region have comprehensive knowledge and experien- environment? ces from Madagascar. This has made the foundation for a warm and unique friendship. This implies specific challenges for the development of local governments to ensure that institutions are perfor- Stavanger is the oil capital of Norway. In Madagascar 70% ming efficiently and that there is the necessary political will of the population in 2001 lived in extreme poverty, having and capacity to promote economic growth and promote less than 1 US dollar per day to live on. However, for us it democratic participation and equitable distribution of is utterly important to meet as partners, not as a rich donor services. It is therefore crucial to ensure that the potential and a poor recipient. Over the years we have experienced of the local government sector is recognised and used as that we have so many things to learn from each other. This a central player in development work. is the background for the new stage of the cooperation between the municipalities of Stavanger and Antsirabe that The challenge is to create partnerships between local we entered into in 2003 through the MIC-programme. governments for exchange of knowledge, skills and ex- pertise, and implement development activities aimed at The two cities signed a project agreement with the aim to improving basic services and strengthen local democracy. contribute to sustainable development in the two societies through reciprocal exchange of knowledge and experien- ces. Stavanger has big challenges in the fields of trans- port, energy and CO2 emission. Antsirabe has challenges
10 related to providing basic services to the inhabitants and be transferred to the rest of Antsirabe, and eventually to the eradication of poverty. other towns. The President of Madagascar has announ- ced that Antsirabe will be a model city and will get support In Antsirabe, the part of town named Ambohimena (18.000 to match achievements reached through the MIC work. inhabitants) is identified as a pilot area. The mayor of Ant- sirabe has taken a lead role to establish cooperation with The local government sector represents an independent, the population and civil society in building fundamental political and democratic sphere where life unfolds and infrastructure in the area based on sustainable perspec- where many decision-makers are instrumental in sha- tives. The focus is on getting clean drinking water to the ping the future. Local authorities are at liberty to initiate inhabitants through water pipes, establishing systems for processes that involve citizens, organisations and local waste management, sewerage systems, compost coursing businesses in many ways. By doing so we have been able and organic agricultural production, to ameliorate roads, to develop dialogue, create arenas and reinforce coordi- etc. Equally important are activities to strengthen local nation with businesses and the civil society in Stavanger democracy through dialogue with people at grass-root and Antsirabe that both inspire commitment and release level and NGOs, transparency in public affairs and efforts resources. to strengthen good governance.
The formal cooperation between the cities is in the initial Stavanger, 04.01.2005 stages and we hope to be able to work together for a long time. The aim is for the experiences from Ambohimena to
11 Improved service delivery for Mukono, Uganda By Josiah Serunjogi, Project Manager, Mukono Town Council
Mukono entered a municipal international cooperation with well as increased income for the municipality through Gran municipality in 2000, with the aim of capacity build- better tax systems and public trust. ing in order to reduce poverty and improve gender issues. The output of the cooperation is improved public services, • The market in Mukono is improved through the project. increased public trust in public affairs, experiences of 136 market stalls have been built and occupied. The improved living conditions as well as increased income for stalls have improved the working environment and the Town Council. income for vendors, as well as the council income through taxes. This has also led to better service Activities and results achieved from the MIC funded pro- delivery to the inhabitants, and increased public trust. ject with Gran include: There have also been horticulture projects, and business entrepreneur courses, specially targeted • Installation of Information Communication Technology at women groups. (ICT) systems and training, resulting in computer literate staff and council members. The ICT project • Training courses for councillors in roles and respons- includes a databank system for tax gathering. ibilities and gender issues have been undertaken, The activity has contributed to improved efficiency, which has increased the councillors’ awareness. better service delivery and working environment, as Councillors have also participated in an exchange visit to Norway during the local elections in 2003.
12 • Workshops in community planning, focusing on a In the future cooperation between the municipalities, much participatory approach and involvement of community of the focus will be on business start-ups and improve- leaders in council activities, which has encouraged ment, as well as increased women participation. There will bottom-up planning. also be developed training manuals for roles and responsi- • The Council has achieved an international exposure bilities for local politicians. through the staff and councillor exchange visits and information activities. Now we have other contacts Gran being awarded the Norwegian title “International Mu- within the Global Tree Project with Sweden and Great nicipality” this year is also a clear result of success of the Britain. Mukono also receives visits from other MIC project between Mukono and Gran. municipalities who want to learn from our experiences. Mukono, 12.12.2004 • Enhanced South-south cooperation through MIC & KS partners, resulting in Mukono having established a sister city cooperation with the Municipality of Walvis Bay, Namibia. A future important aspect of the success of this cooperation lies in sharing the experience with other municipalities in Uganda.
13 Municipal Cooperation between Vefsn and Gornji Milanovac By Jim Nerdal, Project Manager, Mosjøen & Omegn Næringsselskap
Vefsn municipality has had cooperation with Gornji Milano- municipal organisation and structures, with the vac in Serbia and Montenegro since 1975. Gornji Milano- aim of implementing a new organisational model vac has historically had a special position in the Norwegian for Gornji Milanovac. – Yugoslavian cooperation as “The Norwegian House” was established there in 1986. 2. Office for environment and organisation of local environment initiatives The municipal cooperation became part of the KS munici- A municipal office for the environment called “the Organic pal international cooperation programme for local govern- Office” has been established and operating. The office ment development in Serbia and Montenegro in 2002. In has developed a “Local Organic Action Plan”, soon to be total there are seven partnerships between Norwegian and adopted by the municipality. The office took the initiative to Serbian and Montenegrian municipalities. establish “The Organic Forum”, where citizens, representa- tives of enterprises, NGOs and the municipality join forces During the first year of the Vefsn – Gornji Milanovac pro- for the preservation of local natural and environmental ject, a long term plan for the cooperation was developed resources. together with local authorities in Gornji Milanovac. As a result of the planning phase, Søndre Helgeland Miljøverk 3. Establishment of a Local Economic Development (SHMIL), an inter-municipal waste company, and the Enterprise technical department of Vefsn municipality became enga- ged in the planning of a larger waste management project, The enterprise was formally established in spring 2004 including the building of a waste site. In 2003 NOK, 10 with the municipality as majority share holder. Mosjøen million was granted for the first phase of the project, and a og Omegn Næringsselskap is one of the minority share new and modern waste site was constructed. The second holders, and has one member in the board. phase of developing a management and recycling plan will begin in 2005. The site is a pilot not only for Serbia, but for The enterprise is currently not operating as a new law pas- the whole of the Balkans. sed in Serbia restricts municipalities’ ability to be majority share holders in private companies. The hope is that the The following subprojects are being undertaken within the law will be amended. Municipal international Cooperation between Vefsn and Gornji Milanovac: The cooperation between the municipalities has been 1. Strengthening of the municipal administration successful and positive over the last years. A key issue for a. Downsizing the number of staff in the administration positive results of the project has been the local ownership of the municipality and public enterprises and initiatives. One of the key factors for further develop- b. Information strategy and coordination of IT systems ment in 2005 is a stronger involvement of Serbian KS, in the municipality SKGO, and the LDA office in Nis will also be beneficial. c. Establishment of an office where all citizens’ inquiries can be received Mosjøen, 05.01.2005 d. Motivation for citizen participation in public debate e. Consultations with academic professionals within
14 Staff of KS Europe and International Projects
Aina Simonsen Øystein Haugen Director International Project Coordinator Working areas: Management, Europe- Working areas: Management and coor- an Union (EU) and European Economic dination of international projects. Area (EEA) affairs, representation in Tel: +47 24 13 27 89, European organisations. [email protected] Tel: +47 24 13 27 89, [email protected]
Knut Hjorth-Johansen Liss Schanke Senior Adviser Adviser Working areas: EU and EEA affairs, Working areas: Coordination of mu- EEA financial mechanisms. Training nicipal cooperation projects in Africa. programme for the municipal sector on Institutional cooperation and local EU and EEA. Coordination of municipal government development projects in cooperation projects in Russia. Bosnia-Hercegovina, Malawi, Tanzania Tel: +47 24 13 64 04, and Zambia. Development of methods, [email protected] guidelines and indicators. Tel: +47 24 13 27 54, [email protected]
Aase Erdal May Endresen Brussels Representative Adviser Working areas: Monitoring of EU and Working areas: Coordination of mu- EEA Affairs and Dissemination of infor- nicipal cooperation projects in Africa. mation to members, European Social Institutional cooperation and local Dialogue, EFTA and EEA Consultative government development projects in Committees. Assisting members in Croatia, Malawi, Pakistan and Vietnam. their contact with European Institu- Development of methods and guidelines. tions. Tel: +47 24 13 26 48, Tel: +47 24 13 28 26, [email protected] [email protected]
Nicolay Biørn Lian Bodil Isaksen EU consultant, Brussels Secretary Working areas: EU and EEA affairs Working areas: Administrative support Tel: +32 25 50 12 93, of international projects. nicolay.biø[email protected] Tel: +47 24 13 28 27, [email protected]
Elita Cakule Einar Ekern Senior Executive Officer Project Assistant Working areas: EU and EEA affairs, Working areas: Institutional coopera- Council of Europe. Institutional coope- tion and local government develop- ration and local government develop- ment projects in Croatia, Kosovo and ment projects in Azerbaijan, Georgia Russia. Web editor. and Russia. Tel: +47 24 13 29 54, Tel: +47 24 13 27 04, [email protected] [email protected]
15 VISITING ADDRESS Haakon VIIs gt. 9, 0161 Oslo POSTAL ADDRESS P.O. Box 1378 Vika, 0114 Oslo
TELEPHONE +47 24 13 26 00 FAX +47 22 83 22 22 E - MAIL [email protected] WEB ADDRESS www.ks.no
About KS
The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) is a national members’ association for municipalities, counties and public enterprises under municipal or county ownership.
KS is an employer’s and central bargaining organisation, an advisory and consultative body, and acts as spokesman and advocate vis-à-vis central government on behalf of its members. KS negotiates on behalf of employers of approx. 370.000 employees and assists its members in legal, financial and administrative matters.