The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities "APLA" organized in partnership with the Association of Netherland Municipalities for International Cooperation "VNGi" a workshop under the Village Council Hub on enhancing revenues through developing the services provided to citizens. This is part of APLA's efforts to provide support to local authorities through programs and activities with the aim of enhancing local authorities’ capacities at all levels. The workshop lasted two days with the participation of 36 representatives of Village Councils in the West Bank.
Hussam Daraghmeh, member of APLA's Executive Committee welcomed the mayors and representatives of Village Councils, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the communication between village councils and APLA, to support their efforts under the enhancement of their jurisdiction to guarantee responsiveness to their needs and its inclusion in APLA's plans and programs. Furthermore, he emphasized that by APLA representing all local authorities in Palestine, it expresses their stances and directions before all parties. Finally, he pointed out APLA's efforts over the past period, especially the sub-grants program for supporting village councils.
On another note, the Field Director of VNGi, Saleh Khalailah, emphasized the special importance VNGi gives to village councils, especially those located in Area C, as they face a multitude of challenges and obstacles against providing services to their citizens, especially in light of the limited resources. He further clarified that enhancing the services provided by local authorities enhances the citizens trust in their local authorities, therefore motivating them to pay their dues.
Khalailah further emphasized that several trainings will be organized to simulate the actual needs of the local authorities in the so-called Area C in cooperation with APLA, and that joint efforts between both associations reflects the significance of the strategic relationship linking them to support the role of Palestinian local authorities. This is attainable through exchange of experiences, implementation of programs that develop the capacities of local authorities, enhance their capabilities, jurisdiction and performance of the roles given to them.
The workshop started with the expert in local authorities’ finances, Dr. Ghassan Da'as, exploring the scope of village councils through the services they provide to the citizens, and their revenues of all types, in addition to several proposals related to maximizing and diversifying the revenues of village councils. On another hand, he elaborated on the legislations governing the tariffs for the services provided by local authorities, means of managing costs and expenditure, such as costs of services (water, electricity, sanitation, and wastes).
