February – June 2024, Tikapur 

The Subnational Governance Program (SNGP) empowers citizen groups to participate in budgeting processes and expenditure monitoring to promote inclusive and effective planning, governance, and service delivery. The program addresses common challenges related to the budget cycle, including planning and budgeting, municipal committees, citizen engagement, own-source revenue, expenditure performance, and intergovernmental fiscal relations and coordination.

 In a milestone achievement, SNGP’s partner Community Members Interested (COMMITTED) facilitated the first official meeting of the Municipal Accounts Committee (MAC) members in Tikapur Municipality. This significant occasion marked a pivotal point in the committee’s tenure, overcoming obstacles that had persisted for two years without official meetings. 

Under the guidance and support of COMMITTED, committee members convened for the first time. The meeting provided a platform for members to voice their challenges and concerns, particularly related to their roles and meeting procedures. It became evident that an enabling environment within the municipality was essential for the committee’s effective functioning. With COMMITTED’s facilitation, members addressed these issues openly and collaboratively. 

Following the meeting, the committee proactively took steps to enhance its effectiveness and accountability. Notably, the committee drafted its inaugural meeting minutes, demonstrating renewed commitment to audit functions, transparency, and accountability. Members resolved to hold meetings at least once every two months, fostering a culture of regular communication and collaboration. 

SNGP provides targeted support to subnational governments, enabling them to fulfill their expanded fiscal responsibilities and strengthen economic governance. SNGP focuses on optimizing public finance management (PFM) through technical assistance, improving revenue and expenditure management. Additionally, it actively engages in local economic development by promoting private sector involvement, including enterprise development and public-private partnerships.