Iraq Local Governance Program – Phase III (LGP III) Quarterly Report, April - June 2009

The report replaces regional categories with provincial-level reporting, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of trends across provinces. This approach is based on the fact that Iraq has only one official region, composed of three semi-autonomous provinces under the Kurdistan Regional Government. The program's Iraqi-led teams are working in each of the 14 provinces covered by the 2008 Provincial Powers Act. The report notes that the success of orientation sessions, for example, cannot be attributed to regional characteristics or the presence of the LGP III team. Instead, the appetite for these sessions may be influenced by the security situation in each province. Notably, the advisory services provided by LGP III have been well-received in newly added provinces, including Anbar, Ninawa, and Maysan. Ninawa became the first province to complete all eight LGP III orientation sessions with Provincial Council members. In Anbar and Salah ad Din, provinces known for their volatile security climate, the Iraqi team leaders, supported by an expatriate regional team leader, established offices, hired staff, and initiated contact with provincial officials within weeks. The report draws upon experiences in each province to arrive at program-wide observations that characterize the work of LGP III this quarter. The program's activities in each province are summarized below. Anbar was a late addition to LGP III, yet the team was staffed quickly, and the program of work was implemented. The team established a provincial office, hired staff, and initiated contact with provincial officials. In Babil, the LGP III team provided training to Provincial Council members on the Provincial Powers Act, and the team also assisted in the development of a provincial budget. In Baghdad, the LGP III team worked with the Provincial Council to develop a plan for the implementation of the Provincial Powers Act. The team also provided training to Provincial Council members on the act. In Basrah, the LGP III team assisted in the development of a provincial budget and provided training to Provincial Council members on the Provincial Powers Act. In Wasit, the LGP III team worked with the Provincial Council to develop a plan for the implementation of the Provincial Powers Act. The team also provided training to Provincial Council members on the act. In non-focus provinces, including Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah, and Muthanna, the LGP III team provided limited support to Provincial Council members. The report highlights the progress of work element activities, including Provincial Council and Governor Orientation, Capital Investment Planning and Budgeting, Oversight and Accountability of Services Delivery, Organizational Development and Systems, and Supporting Sustainable National Institutions. The report also presents deliverables and reports, an implementation plan for the next quarter, and financial data, including cost by month and estimates for the next quarter.