Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governance (KPG) Project Monthly Progress Report December 2016

The project was awarded to DAI in March 2015 with a budget of $22.6 million. The main purpose of KPG is to support transitional activities in the KP Province that reinforce stability, counter extremism, promote democratic advances, and strengthen the ability of the provincial government to be responsive to citizen needs. The project focuses on supporting the achievements of relevant priority objectives outlined in the Government of KP's Integrated Development Strategy (IDS). DAI will deliver KPG results by developing complementary packages of assistance that reinforce both the supply and demand side of governance. The project will utilize four main instruments: grants under contract, programmatic short-term technical assistance, direct distribution of goods and services (DDGS), and training. During the month of December 2016, workplan activities continued at pace. Seven out of nine active grants approved by USAID continued to implement substantial workplan activities. These grants included 'Improving Citizens Right to Information', 'Enhancement of Development Projects Management System', 'Automated Information & Reporting System for Directorate of Information and Public Relation', 'Strengthening of the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority', 'Bridging Gaps between Citizens and State', 'Strengthening Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa', and 'Training of District Naib Nazims of KP and Village/Neighborhood Councilors of Peshawar District'. In addition to the above grants, short-term technical assistance is being provided to develop various activities with twelve public sector organizations/partners. Proposals are also being developed with four civil society organizations to strengthen transparency and accountability of the public service providers. Four ideas are being discussed for potential KPG support. The security situation in KP remained volatile and unpredictable during the reporting period. Military operations in FATA continued with mounting casualties on both sides, and security forces remained the most likely target of continuing aggression. Despite the security incidents, KPG project activities were not directly impacted. However, the KPG Security Advisor issued security recommendations to all staff, advising them on security protocols to minimize risks. Operational challenges and remedial actions were also addressed during the reporting period. The legal compliance of zoning laws in different residential areas of KP was a persistent issue, resulting in the shutdown of several offices, health clinics, and businesses. To address this issue, KPG staff were advised to carefully plan their travels, seek security clearance before commencement of movements, and maintain a low profile.