In the context of its efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the functions of local government units (LGUs), the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) launched the pilot phase of the Municipality Meter Platform in five municipalities. Along this vein, LGUs in Beita, Salfit and Sabastiya held community meetings to introduce, review the objectives of, and engage local communities in discussing ways to improve and develop the platform in line with their needs and aspirations.
These meetings introduced the Municipality Meter Platform as an innovative tool to promote accountable municipal functions and enable citizens to follow up on the performance of municipalities in line with relevant strategic plans, promoting the principles of accountability and good governance. Municipal strategic plans 2023-2026 were reviewed and linked to the platform. In addition to achievements, a presentation highlighted key challenges facing LGUs in implementing these plans.
Dr. Ahmed Jaber, APLA Project Officer, stated that the Municipality Meter Platform “is part of a strategic vision to enhance transparency and accountability by enabling direct public access to municipal performance.” It devises innovative solutions to support good governance and provides technical tools to improve planning and monitor achievements. Dr. Jaber stressed the importance of community feedback to develop the hub and fulfil community needs. The role of the hub can, therefore, be strengthened as an effective vehicle to achieve sustainable development.
In the meetings, municipality representatives made detailed presentations on how to use the platform for reviewing the achievements of projects and strategic plans, highlighting pages that provide a variety of information, news, and media content. Based on the audience suggestions, a discussion involved technical features of the platform, including capabilities and potential performance improvement.
At the conclusion of the meetings, the floor was opened for discussion, comments, and development ideas. Participants expressed appreciation of the initiative, which marks a major shift for promoting local transparency and accountability. They also stressed the value of continuing these encounters to improve municipal performance and consolidate partnership between communities and LGUs.
The platform builds on APLA’s efforts to promote good governance and community engagement in LGUs operations. It is implemented through the Promotion of Accountability and Transparency within Palestinian LGUs project, funded by the UNDP Transparency, Evidence and Accountability (TEA3) programme.
