News
Friday, September 10, 2010
WB stresses accountability, transparency in aid disbursement
* Bank calls for local implementation of reconstruction programmes
ISLAMABAD: Accountability and transparency would be of paramount importance to attract donor financing and to reassure donors that aid will reach those who need it most, World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia Isabel Guerrero said on Thursday.
“In addition to making $1 billion available for flood related reconstruction and encouraging the international community to come to Pakistan’s aid, the bank will continue to support government’s efforts to improve domestic revenue mobilisation and to re-prioritise existing public investment programmes to take account of the floods,” Guerrero said, adding, “Moving ahead with tax and energy reforms is important not only for growth, but also because it shows the commitment of the government to do its part to address challenges.”
During her three-day visit to Pakistan, Guerrero met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and other key officials to update them on the progress made on damage and needs assessment survey being jointly conducted by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to assess damage and reconstruction needs in the wake of the floods.
“Central coordination and local implementation should be key features of whatever institutional framework is established to manage the reconstruction programme,” said Guerrero. “In areas such as cash transfers, asset compensation, housing entitlements, and land reclamation, citizens should expect transparent and uniform standards to ensure equality and reduce discretion in the implementation of policies,” she added. Guerrero said the World Bank was willing to assist Pakistan in setting up instruments to track aid flows, establish sound procurement practices, grievance mechanisms, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk