The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), through its Village Councils' Hub, conducted a workshop in the Mid-region on the relationship between local authorities and service providers. The goal was to reactivate the activities of the Hub and select members representing the local authorities on one hand, and exploring the details of the relationship between local authorities and service providers on another hand. The workshop was attended by 37 representatives from presidents and employees of village councils in the Mid-region.
The Manager of Technical and Legal Support Unit at APLA, Eng. Afaneh, started the workshop by welcoming all attendees, providing a brief on APLA's work, roles and ongoing projects. Additionally, Afaneh spoke about the role of the technical and legal support unit in providing help and support to local authorities through programs and activities that aim to enhance local authorities' capacities at all levels and representing local authorities at both local and international levels. Furthermore, to provide advisory services to the members in technical and legal aspects, enhancing their capacities and granted powers and jurisdiction, maintaining its proper conduct legally.
Representing the Ministry of Local Government, Director General of Local Government in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate, Dr. Azzam Al-Hjouj, emphasized the ministry's commitment to provide full support to village councils, to enhance service provision with full follow-up of obstacles and challenges they face within their local communities. He pointed out that the participatory relationship with APLA will contribute to enhancing the work with the village councils to overcome all obstacles and challenges.
The Financial Decentralization Officer at APLA, Ziyad Al-Tawil, provided a presentation on the relationship between local authorities and electricity, water and telecommunications service providers, clarifying the controversy of this relationship and the possibilities for drafting strategic solutions for solving all issues including amending the regulating legal framework in a fair way for local authorities.
It is worth mentioning that the workshop is organized as part of the Technical Hubs Project for exchanging experiences among local authorities, implemented in partnership between APLA and LGRP-GIZ. It comprises of five Hubs: Engineering and Planning Hub; Financial Management Hub; Public Relations Hub; and Creativity and Innovation Hub.
