2014年-世界发展银行全球_Tunisia_Urban_Development_and_Local_Governance_Program___Technical_Assessment_Report_86页_1mb

Tunisia Urban Development and Local Governance Program Summary

Core Content

The Tunisia Urban Development and Local Governance Program (PforR Program) is a government initiative aimed at strengthening local governance and improving municipal infrastructure delivery across 264 municipalities (Local Governments - LGs) over the period 2014-2019. The program is aligned with the new Constitution adopted in January 2014, which emphasizes decentralization, transparency, and accountability.

The program is structured into three sub-programs:

• Subprogram 1: Municipal infrastructure delivery (US$591 million)
• Subprogram 2: Improving access to basic municipal infrastructure in disadvantaged neighborhoods (US$150 million)
• Subprogram 3: Capacity support for improved LG institutional development and accountability (US$10 million)

The PforR Program is designed to support these sub-programs, focusing on performance-based capital grants, targeted capital grants for disadvantaged areas, and capacity development.

Main Viewpoints

1. Government Program Overview

• The program involves state financial support to municipal infrastructure delivery and institutional strengthening.
• It aims to shift from a purely "infrastructure delivery" approach to one that emphasizes LG performance and accountability.
• Key components include:
  • Capital Block Grants: Allocated based on a formula, with a focus on transparency, predictability, and performance.
  • Local Government Contributions: LGs are expected to contribute to infrastructure investments from their own resources.
  • Municipal Investment Loans: Provided by the Caisse des Prets et de Soutien aux Collectivités Locales (CPSCL) to enhance leverage of available resources.

2. Performance-Based Capital Grants

• The grants are performance-linked, with access based on Minimum Mandatory Conditions (MMCs) and Performance Assessments (PAs).
• The target is for 60% of LGs to achieve threshold scores by the fifth year of the program.
• The average annual per capita grant is USD5.7, with a focus on municipal infrastructure such as roads, drainage, sewerage, solid waste collection, and public spaces.
• The CPSCL administers these grants, and LGs are responsible for planning and implementing sub-projects.

3. Targeted Capital Grants for Disadvantaged Neighborhoods

• These grants are conditional, tied to national priorities such as improving basic infrastructure in disadvantaged areas.
• A regional consultation process was used to pre-identify 144 LGs and 229 neighborhoods eligible for funding.
• Each LG will prepare a prefeasibility study to update infrastructure needs and ensure community participation.
• The grants are not subject to ex ante controls, and performance assessment is limited to a one-time basis during the year when infrastructure projects are to commence.

4. Capacity Support for LG Institutional Development

• The program provides capacity-building and technical support to LGs to meet performance standards.
• Support includes training, information dissemination, and hands-on assistance from the CPSCL and CFAD.
• The focus areas for capacity development are:
  • Participatory investment prioritization and planning
  • Own-source revenue enhancement
  • Project quality, including procurement and environmental/social management
  • Asset management and financial systems
• The goal is to help LGs achieve the standards required to access full capital grants.

Key Information

Program Objectives

• Strengthen LG institutional performance to better deliver municipal infrastructure.
• Improve access to basic services in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Financial Framework

• Total Program Funding: US$751 million (TND 2,162 million).
• Capital Block Grants: US$203 million (TND 587 million).
• Conditional Grants: US$150 million (TND 425 million).
• Capacity Support: US$10 million (TND 28 million).
• LG Contributions: US$129 million (TND 365 million).
• Municipal Investment Loans: US$259 million (TND 734 million).

Institutional Reforms

• The program supports the reform of the LG capital grant system, transitioning from ex ante controls to performance-based allocation.
• A participatory planning and budgeting system is introduced to involve citizens in identifying investment needs.
• The new Constitution (Jan 2014) mandates greater autonomy for LGs, including administrative and financial independence.

Performance Assessment

• Annual ex post performance assessments are conducted by an independent evaluator.
• Criteria include governance, sustainability, and management.
• Results are used to adjust capital grant allocations starting from the third year of the program.

Strategic Relevance

• The program is strategically relevant to Tunisia's democratic and political transition, as it supports decentralization, participatory governance, and transparency.
• It addresses key challenges in local governance, including central oversight, financial viability, and regional disparities.
• The reforms aim to establish sustainable systems and practical, phased improvements in LG capacity and performance.

Conclusion

The Tunisia Urban Development and Local Governance Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to modernize local governance, enhance municipal infrastructure delivery, and promote accountability and transparency. It aligns with the new Constitution and supports the transition to a more decentralized system by restructuring the capital grant system, introducing participatory planning, and strengthening LG institutional capabilities. The program's strategic relevance is high, as it addresses systemic governance issues and supports economic recovery and social stability in the post-revolution context.