USD 15 million as USAID technical support to municipalities

The US Ambassador to Lebanon, Elisabeth Richard, launched last Friday the two-year Technical Assistance Program towards 38 Municipalities and Federations of Municipalities in the presence of mayors of various Lebanese districts. On the occasion, Richard stressed the long-standing support of her government towards reinvigorating the municipalities, especially that they contribute significantly to the economic and social development in the country. This USD 15 million worth of project, Richard explained, is part of the ‘Building Alliance for Local Advancement, Development and Investment’ (BALADI) program funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The project provides proper and feasible technical assistance to the municipalities and civil society organizations in order to enhance their internal regulations and professional performance, Richard said. It also represents a backbone for local non-government groups in support of their public causes related to public welfare, Richard added. Also according to a US Embassy statement, the above program guides municipalities to sustain their inner audit departments and administrative structures through organizational development as well as an improved financial, communication and disaster management systems. The program furthermore supports selected municipalities in handling the complex waste management file aggravated by the heavy influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanese host communities. (Al Mustaqbal, February 18, 2017)