Regional Afghan Municipalities Program for Urban Populations (RAMP UP) – RC East Monthly Report: December 2010

The program is comprised of three distinct components, each focused on a specific goal. Component 1 aims to build the capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) officials at the municipal level. This component provides a combination of on-the-job mentorship, training, and advising to enhance the skills, capabilities, and knowledge of municipal staff. The goal is to enable more visible, responsive, and accountable governance at the municipal level. Component 2 supports the GIRoA in providing responsive, effective, and visible municipal service delivery programs. Activities under this component assist municipalities in delivering visible, tangible, and desirable services to citizens in the form of municipal service delivery projects. These projects aim to improve daily life for citizens and build capacity with a clear learning-by-doing approach, strengthening the GIRoA's capacity to sustainably deliver services to citizens in the long term. RAMP UP East works in all 14 provincial capitals, excluding Kabul city, in the provinces comprising ISAF Regional Command East. The target municipalities include Asadabad, Mahmud i Raqi, Bamiyan, Charikar, Gardez, Jalalabad, Khost, and Sharana, among others. Nine of the 14 target municipalities are located within Key Terrain Districts, which are defined as districts with concentrated population, key infrastructure, and commerce routes. Component 3 focuses on supporting the GIRoA to improve economic development and revenue generation at the municipal level. Activities under this component directly support the growth of local economic development and strengthen revenue generation, enabling municipalities to finance their public services and operating costs. RAMP UP East activities under Components 1 and 2 strengthen municipal capacity and service delivery, which in turn supports economic development and revenue generation. In December 2010, RAMP UP East reported progress in various areas. In Mahmud i Raqi, citizens discussed municipal tax collection improvement with their Mayor. The program also reported on the development of municipal improvement plans, with progress made in Bamyan, Maidan Shar, Puli Alam, Charikar, Panjshir, Jalalabad, Mehterlam, and other municipalities. Challenges were also reported, including infrastructure development and equipment costs. RAMP UP East works closely with various stakeholders, including the GIRoA, ISAF, and non-governmental organizations. The program's activities are guided by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Performance Management Plan (PMP). RAMP UP East's progress is monitored and evaluated through a Technical Assistance Management Information System (TAMIS) and a Management Information System (MIS). Overall, RAMP UP East aims to establish effective, responsive, and accountable municipal governance in the 14 provinces comprising ISAF Regional Command East. The program's activities focus on building municipal capacity, improving service delivery, and supporting economic development and revenue generation.