USAID LOCAL GOVERNANCE PROJECT IN TAJIKISTAN Year 3 Annual Report, October 2014 - September 2015 combined with Quarterly Performance Report, July-September 2015 and PMP update as of September 30, 2015

The project's three Expected Results are referred to as Policy, Practice, and Participation components. The Policy component focuses on improving the financial independence of jamoats as contemplated by the 2009 Law "On Self-Government Bodies in Towns and Villages." Key activities in the Policy component include the drafting of a decree entitled "Introduction of Independent Budget Formation and Execution in Pilot Jamoats." The decree was reviewed and updated by the Working Group, and an order was signed by the Head of the Executive Office of the President in June 2014. However, the decree was not issued after six months, prompting USAID to submit a 'dip note' in March 2015 requesting a formal meeting between the Head of the Executive Office of the President and the USAID Country Director. Instead, the draft decree was recirculated in April 2015 to give newly appointed government officials an opportunity to comment. An internal study tour was also organized by LGP from August 6-7 to familiarize members of the central government with the responsibilities of jamoats and their need for financing. The Practice component aims to increase the authority and capacity of jamoats to perform their roles as envisioned in the 2009 Law. LGP's activities in support of improved Practice include formal training and assistance for jamoat officials and their staff to acquire the skills of managing basic services. Key activities in this component include the development of a computer-based training platform, the installation of desktop computers in four selected jamoats, and the implementation of a Service Delivery Improvement Program. The program involved the completion of small-scale drinking water projects and the awarding of four more projects for the benefit of residents in various districts. The Participation component focuses on increasing citizen participation in local decision making and service provision. LGP's efforts are directed at enhancing the contact between the government and the governed by working with both the 'demand side' and the 'supply side' of governance to ensure that citizens are informed and engaged in decisions that affect their communities. Key activities in this component include the organization of community meetings, the establishment of Mahalla Committees, and the provision of training and assistance to community-based organizations. The project's progress is tracked through a Performance Indicator Tracking Table (PITT) and a Gantt Chart. The PITT provides a summary of progress made towards the achievement of indicators defined in the project Performance Management Plan (PMP) by the end of September 2015. The Gantt Chart provides a visual representation of the project's timeline and milestones. The project has achieved significant progress in its third implementation year, including the completion of small-scale drinking water projects and the awarding of four more projects for the benefit of residents in various districts. The project has also made progress in its efforts to increase citizen participation in local decision making and service provision. However, challenges remain, including the need for further support from the government and the need to address the technical capabilities of jamoats' computers. The project's success stories include the completion of a pump unit and water distribution system for 926 beneficiaries in Shohon village, the dedication of a rehabilitated water system for the benefit of 10,396 residents in Sovet town, and the opening ceremony of a water system to benefit 5,271 residents in Dehai Bolo village. These success stories demonstrate the project's impact on improving access to basic services and increasing citizen participation in local decision making and service provision.