Simple but effective solutions implemented in Talmaza and Carahasani to increase transparency and communication between citizens and local public authorities: an initiative of EU4Accountability

Thanks to the project « EU4Accountability (Empowered Civil Society for Greater Social Accountability in Moldova), funded by the European Union and implemented by A.O. « Renasterea », with the support of ALDA, in the villages of Carahasani and Talmaza in Stefan Voda district, participatory local governance and increased social accountability have been strengthened through the active involvement of local residents and collaboration with local public authorities.

In the framework of the project, civil servants and residents received training in project management, local development and community leadership, information campaigns were organised to promote civic participation, effective and transparent communication in local governance and the advantages of participatory budgeting mechanism for community development.

« Undoubtedly, EU4Accountability has contributed enormously to the development of those useful tools for our locality that support and improve our work as a local public authority, but the citizen, as the ultimate beneficiary of the efforts for the sustainable development of the community, cannot be excluded from this equation. Involving citizens in decision-making, including in the participatory budgeting process, ensures that these decisions are based on their needs and interests« , emphasised Mr. Eugeniu Prutean, Mayor of Talmaza.

Following the public consultations with citizens, Coalitions for Social Responsibility were created in both localities and the priorities in the localities were discussed. At the same time, citizens came up with proposals and participated in decision-making for the implementation of projects related to efficient and fast communication of the Mayoralties, especially in crisis situations. To this end, 35 outdoor audio loudspeakers have been installed, integrated in 2 systems, which have a cumulative range of 8 km.

« Transparency in decision making is a priority for us as a local administration, and through the EU-funded project, this has become a proud achievement. Building the capacity of civil servants and civic activists in project writing is an important stepping stone in our aspirations for local development, and it contributes to the substantial improvement of the projects we develop in this regard. We have managed to develop tools that encourage citizens’ participation, such as the Local Coalition for Social Accountability, or the participatory budgeting mechanism, which we consider essential for an efficient and citizen-oriented participatory local governance« , said Mr. Oleg Ciobanu, Mayor of Carahasani.

Through EU4Accountability, with the efforts of APL and A.O « Renasterea », citizens were encouraged to participate in the public hearings for the approval of the local budget. Citizens were actively involved and presented proposals, including on the participatory budgeting segment, and this activity was a first in the two localities.

The EU4Accountability project has contributed to increased transparency of decision-making in the two localities

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The EU4Accountability project has contributed to increased transparency of decision-making in the two localities, and over 8000 citizens have mechanisms to be part of the local governance process; 900 citizens were informed about the role of social accountability, local democracy, the impact of civic participation in the community; 30 civil servants and civic activists were trained in project management, local development and public policy development; in 2 localities the meeting rooms of the LPA were modernized, and over 200 citizens were directly involved in the project activities.

The project « EU4Accountability » (Empowered Civil Society for Greater Social Accountability in Moldova) runs from 2022-2024, and is funded by the European Union, implemented by ALDA, European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) and People in Need Moldova. It is implemented in 10 districts (Cahul, Comrat, Cimislia, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Riscani, Straseni, Stefan Voda, Telenesti) and has a total budget of 1.6 million EUR.

To know more about the project click here.