Making dull things shine

Thursday, 31 March 2011 00:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

An age old adage tells us that all that shines is not gold. However what is not gold must also try to shine in order to increase its value, even if it might be for sheer show. Even though it is a bit of a leap to compare this ancient saying to Sri Lanka’s Local Government bodies the events in parliament during the next few days may prove a connection.

The Local Government Authority (Special Provisions) Bill will be presented for approval by Parliament shortly according to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This will give heads of local government bodies more financial and administrative power to ostensibly partake in the development process of the country. Given the low voter turnout at the recently concluded elections and the high level of violence leading up to the event as well as on polling day the candidates are far from shining regarding positive action. The icing on this rather disreputable cake was Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha’s new Chairman Manoj Mendis taking oaths in prison. It will be remembered that Mendis was remanded after he surrendered to police as a key suspect in the death of two UPFA supporters in Hikkaduwa.

However, given that the massive number of candidates has now been whittled down and the legislative power is about to be put in place to give them greater empowerment the onus is now on those elected more than ever before to perform on the newly brightened spotlight. Together with the establishment of Jana Sabas the expectation is that the local government officials can take a more proactive role in developing rural areas.

On paper the need for Sri Lanka to focus on inclusive and sustainable growth hinges upon the development of rural areas to limit income gaps and regional disparity. The central role is to ensure that the limited funding obtained by the government is used in a sensible, trustworthy and pragmatic manner so that the people can benefit from it. Protecting the environment and making maximum use of the limited resources available is also of paramount importance since the Central Environmental Authority and the Ministry are having little impact on small and massive projects that are being implemented around the country. Ensuring that vulnerable groups are assisted in a sustainable manner should also be on top of the “to do” list that local government bodies are given.

Another point is that local bodies and municipalities have to work harder to engage with their constituents so that people know how their tax money is being expended. Stronger ties are also needed to improve administration to provide beyond basic needs, reduce bribery and improve overall efficiency. In fact even in the basics of transport, education and health there is much to be done.

Local government has the opportunity to bring real change home. Being the closest link with the governance system they are often the starting point of unpleasant experiences for the common man. The only justification for giving them more power — indeed the only justification for their existence — would be to solve the problems of the masses.