Moldova: Ma Implic - Project on civic engagement in local governance

Relevant central and local authorities, civil society organizations, and community members.

Final beneficiaries: The Moldovan society as a whole, benefitting from the changes brought by local governance reform, improved governance processes and inclusive development interventions. In the spirit of the "leave no one behind" principle, the project will involve vulnerable groups (incl. refugees from Ukraine).

Outcome 1: Partner Local Public Authorities groups manage resources and local development in a more sustainable, inclusive and accountable way.

Outcome 2: The Government promotes and coordinates the Local Governance reform in an efficient, effective and transparent manner.

Outcome 3: People in partner communities meaningfully engage in local governance processes and influence the provision of local public services

Expected results:  

• Partner LPA groups have the necessary capacities and skills to improve the performance of their core functions.
• LPA groups produce models for joint public service delivery which are available for replication. 
• Central authorities have enhanced capacities to put in place the necessary policies, regulations and instruments for the implementation of the LG reform. 
• Central authorities have instruments to improve communication between central and local levels on LG reform for more transparency and broader public support. 
• Citizens of partner communities have capacities and mechanisms to participate in local decision-making processes and to hold LPAs and service providers accountable. 

Results from previous phases:   Ma Implic project gained the reputation of a relevant and competent partner for the Government in its task to prepare and implement the Local Governance (LG) reform.
At policy level, the project made a substantial contribution to a more favourable regulatory environment for quality service provision at the local level.
At institutional level, 45 local public authorities improved the way they manage service provision. Eight groups of municipalities developed functioning partnerships. Some of these partnerships are already used also to plan and implement other joint projects, creating a fertile ground for voluntary amalgamation, which is envisaged by the Government under the ongoing LG reform.
At citizens’ level, LG practices improved in all targeted municipalities towards more transparency and inclusive citizen engagement. The project engaged a total of 125,000 people, out of which 50,000 directly benefitted from improved services (water, sanitation, solid waste management, street lighting). Women were more involved than men, and 25,000 beneficiaries were representatives of vulnerable groups. The project supported LPAs to identify barriers that hinder vulnerable groups to access services and to participate in local planning and decision-making; LPAs were also supported in ensuring a better accessibility of the physical infrastructure.