Monthly Report: Citizens' Voice Project, October 2012

The project has awarded 35 grants, including CPDI, which is pending USAID clarification. Additionally, seven more recommended applications were submitted to USAID for approval, bringing the total number of pending applications to 42. The fourth cycle awards, announced on September 30, received an unprecedented response, with 369 applications received. This is attributed to the project's efforts in disseminating information to over 5,000 users through emails. The project has also made preparations for the fifth grants cycle, suggesting themes and ideas to USAID for approval. A task order was issued to AASR-GT for nine more pre-award assessments, while 22 pre-award assessment reports under the third grants cycle were reviewed to determine the level of risk and inform negotiations related to awards of grants and capacity action plans. The Monitoring and Evaluation Unit continued to undertake monitoring and evaluation work, completing five pre-award assessments of short-listed applications under various themes. Key activities undertaken by partner organizations include the opening ceremony of the project by Your Engineering Solutions, the formation of a District Municipal Services Accountability Network and four Municipal Services Support Committees in Dir by ABKT, and two capacity building workshops on water rights by AWAZ and DAMAAN each. Additionally, PEACE-KP conducted a three-day workshop on Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Policies and Procedures, while PEHE held advocacy sessions with farmers regarding water losses. The Network conducted a training workshop for government officials/members of Consumer Councils and other groups. Capacity building efforts were also undertaken by partner organizations, with TAF and IoBM holding a week-long training workshop for partner organizations. Twenty staff members from ten partner organizations participated in this institutional development course. Preparations were also made by TAF and COMSATS to conduct a similar week-long course for senior staff members of partners to be conducted by COMSATS University in Islamabad in November 2012. In terms of administration and procurement, the delivery of Honda City and Suzuki APV is expected in November 2012 and December 2012, respectively. Various items were purchased for the Election Information Monitoring System (EIMS), including an automatic voltage stabilizer, a multi-functional printer/photocopier, and office furniture. These items were procured and installed, and office stationary items were procured, stocked, and issued.