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EU project to improve people’s lives in 6 Syrian cities

Global Arab Network - - George Haddad

Monday, 11 January 2010 11:09

Providing interactive guides and tourist plans of the old town of Damascus is only one of the achievements of the EU-funded project “MAM”, Municipal Administration Modernisation Programme, according to the latest Eurojar feature published in the Lebanese daily Al-Hayat.

The article says the project, implemented in six Syrian cities with a budget of €20 million, aims to improve people’s lives and benefit the greater portion of the population. “All projects funded seek to improving people's lives and their future and not to increase the wealth of the wealthy, they do not target the current generation only, but aim to affect the next generations,” says Peter Ross, a Programme expert.

The Programme also works to develop the legal structure of municipal administration and prepare a draft law on local administration and a new draft law on regional planning, which did not exist in Syria. “We know that this type of work is abstract and does not seem directly related to people's daily lives, but in the end it needs to be done and it is of great importance,” adds Ross.

MAM also seeks to ensure the use of the best methods in implementing its projects like finding a suitable mechanism for creating partnerships and methods of contracting between the public and private sectors and assisting municipalities to understand the best ways to benefit from the private sector in the service to citizens, as well as finding potential investors for some essential projects. It also aims to accomplish projects that have direct impact on citizens, such as the establishment of a single window service in the municipality of Homs.

Eurojar is one of 13 projects funded across the ENPI under EuropeAid’s €19 million Regional Information and Communication Programme, which seeks to increase awareness and understanding among the citizens of the area, about the EU, its policies and relations with their countries. The Eurojar budget amounts to €1.5 million and the project will last for one year. As well as Al Hayat, it publishes articles highlighting EU cooperation in L’Orient Le Jour and Le Commerce du Levant, and broadcasts weekly reportages on LBCI and LBCSat.

Objective
The MAM programme aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of local governance in seven Syrian cities: Aleppo, Damascus, Deir Ezzor, Homs, Lattakia, Palmyra and Tartous. By supporting the management of urban growth and ensuring a sustainable infrastructure, the programme is designed to improve the quality of life of people in urban centres.

Key Information
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Local Administration and Environment (MLAE) Duration: May 2005 - December 2009 EC Funding: € 18 million (+ Syrian contribution of € 2.5 million)

Programme Description
MAM’s 17 Action Plans guide city administrations to create more jobs, improve financial management and attract new investments to improve citizens’ quality of life. Through onestop- shops, which significantly speed up the process of obtaining permits for construction and other projects, cities’ effectiveness and citizen services have greatly developed. Through grants, the MAM is also encouraging better environmental practices and the development of local artistic and cultural activities.

Global Arab Network

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