H.E. Jelani Popal, General Director of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (March 5, 2009)

With Nauroz (Afghan New Year's day) approaching, can you tell me how the last year has gone for your department and what your plans are for next year?

To begin with, I think it would be appropriate to tell you about the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG). The IDLG is responsible for facilitating independent local governance. We were established in August of 2007 and previous to that, these local governments were under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. We were created in order to provide more focus to the sub-national government - to their mayors - with the exception of Kabul.

We are greatly concerned with providing logistical support. We initially developed a strategic framework in the first two months, and it was based on this framework that we created a five-year strategic plan.

The IDLG operates with 4 distinct functions:

1. Policy/Logistic support. We work towards creating the first comprehensive sub-national policies in Afghanistan.

2. Institutional support in the way of capacity development in order to enable local officers to perform at peak levels.

3. Creating broader governance through the strengthening of councils at the sub-national level.

4. The enabling of sub-national bodies to institute national programs - such as running elections.

After the current piece of legislation we are currently working towards goes through, we will begin to push for 11 new pieces to parliament in 2009 - and these new policies will take into account the thoughts of many stakeholders from ordinary citizens to governors to 23 ministries.

In essence, we plan to launch a major physical infrastructure plan.

Our five-year program plan involves an outreach to volatile provinces, the scope of which will be extended in the New Year.

The program will also address Governors at the provincial and political level in order to create a more transparent and predictable system.

Currently governors often face a lack of resources and power to respond to problems. By creating a fund for Governors, we will provide resources allowing them to react to problems in a quick and efficient manner.

We plan to utilize the Afghan Stabilization Program to address areas where buildings and infrastructure are either non-existent or in poor condition.

We are planning to pilot an integrated district development program that will address the lack of coordination between different areas of the government, including the sub-national government. This program begins with 8 select districts and will work towards such measures as establishing a strengthened district attourney and police chief. Changes of this nature will strengthen security.

How are you addressing corruption at the sub-national level?

Corruption exists on several levels. We have taken various steps to address this.

We have so far removed 17 governors and replaced them with individuals chosen on a merit system that requires them to have a proven track record of ability and potential for strong interaction with the local populace, the national government and the international community; and of course, they must be loyal to the constitution.

We actually aspire to replace 30% of the district governors by transferring them to other districts, giving them new posts, or completely removing them. The initial removals have already had a great impact and while the entire process will require time, it will be effective.

One reason why corruption has been able to take root is the prevalence of outdated systems. Bureaucratic systems need simplification and we are working with key commissions to bring about streamlining.

I dealt with the issue of corruption in my former post through the streamlining of systems and the implementation of new safe-measures such as requiring a greater number of signatures to gain certain authorizations. We are putting the lessons that were learned and the systems that were developed there in our department now.

We are also going to use ACT. We plan to pass a law that will give the public access to information such as public contracts and so forth.

Another area for us to address is job security. Many of those working at the sub-national level do not feel secure in their position as they may have been hired out of nepotism or for other questionable reasons, but providing job security will help.

The judicial system will also undergo major changes.

So, in summary, yes, there is corruption, but it is being addressed and I am optimistic that there will be clear results.

What has been the involvement of the international community thus far at the sub-national level?

There is a consensus in the international community about the importance of sub-national government as well as the need to bring attention to this area in Afghanistan. We are also in the final stages of talks with potential donors to provide funds to the 50 areas.

Strengthening the sub-national government will establish a greater link between the national government and the local people and thus contribute to the repression of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

Now, one problem that we have faced with the donor community is that they have in cases acted on their own without governmental approval. This results in local people questioning the legitimacy of the Afghan government as they are confused as to who is in charge, the PRT or the government.

We are now in talks to make responsibilities clearer. The donor community should channel its assistance through the Afghan government and the Afghan government should be the major player in reconstruction. This is a boon to the legitimacy of the government and is more cost-effective.

Media has recently often stated that the central government is not truly in control of much of the country. What is the true situation?

Only 50 of 360 districts have problems and most of these are along the border with Pakistan. The government is firmly in control of most of the country.

One reason that some areas are under the authority of the central government less than others lies in the government's lack of resources and the weak state of the sub-national government.

In the beginning of President Karzai's term, the international community did not provide much assistance at the sub-national level and this allowed the Taliban to infiltrate some communities. But now, despite the problems that persist for the moment, the government is stronger than it has ever been and I am very optimistic about our future.