Bosnia and Herzegovina is in transition towards a consolidated democratic state and membership in the European Union. These processes are challenged by a severe socio-economic crisis, lack of trust to political leaders and low resilience to the climate change. The public administration reform is at an early stage. The level of politicisation is high and service delivery is poor. Municipalities and their leaders are the most dynamic government actors, sensitive to the needs of the population striving for better living condi­tions and more employment. More competences and financial resources at the local level and more dialogue with the private sector are needed to improve services and living conditions. Among the main challenges of municipalities are a development-conducive regulatory environment, communication between government levels, financial sustainability and integration of disaster risk reduction in plans and activities.  

Local governments, assigned with appropriate competences and finances, have improved their democratic governance, apply sound public policy and performance management systems and provide public services in an inclusive, effective and efficient manner, particularly those related to the environmental and economic sectors.  

18 core municipalities, (selected among 31 potential beneficiary municipalities), grouped in two clusters in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, counting around 700’000 citizens (including 40’000 vulnerable / socially excluded) and 540 businesses will benefit from improved local services, employment opportunities or improved business environment.

Main institutional partners are mayors, municipal administrations, municipal councils and the two entity associations of municipalities.

The project will directly support: 12 ministries at the entity and cantonal levels, 2 professional thematic networks, 360 leaders and staff of local governments, 120 officials of institutions at cantonal and entity levels, 108 managers and staff of municipal utilities.  

• Supported local governments apply effective development management systems characterized by stronger oversight of the legislative and greater accountability towards the citizens
• Citizens and businesses in target localities benefit from good quality services provided by local governments in the environmental and economic sectors
• Improved regulatory framework at higher and local government levels and proactive networking accelerate sector-specific reforms and enable more effective local public service delivery

Erreichte Resultate:  

Erwartete Resultate:  

Resultate von früheren Phasen:  

The project builds on results of the SDC Governance Project in Municipal Water and Environmental Development (GOV-WADE, 2006-2013):

• Six core municipalities practice strategic and annual planning cycles in the water and environment sector, followed by investments in institutional and infrastructural improvements
• The basic legislation for water and environmental services was adopted in the Una-Sana Canton
• Inter-entity and inter-municipal cooperation was enhanced and a country-wide network of water professionals contributes to improving the legislation and municipal infrastructure
• Participating municipalities attracted over EUR 60 million of external investments in the water sector following the project support worth CHF 8 million.

Phase 1 01.07.2014 - 31.03.2021   (Completed)