A two-day Capacity Development Programme for Municipal and Village Councillors, organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Japan in Mauritius, kickstarted on Tuesday morning, in presence of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex.
Other dignitaries including the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mauritius, Mr Shuichiro Kawaguchi, and the UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius, Mrs Amanda Serumaga, also graced the event.
In his address, VPM Husnoo underpinned the key objectives of the Capacity Development Programme which are to develop and strengthen the capacities of the local authority to adapt to the fast-changing environment and empower it to provide services efficiently.
The Capacity Development Programme, he stated, will help the Municipal and village councillors to ensure the smooth running of their work and contribute to better service delivery to the population, adding that it will improve their developmental capacities in areas such as good governance, accountability, and the environment.
VPM Husnoo expressed gratitude to the UNDP and the Embassy of Japan for their support in this venture and continuous collaboration with the country to foster resilience and sustainable development in other areas.
As for Ambassador Shuichiro Kawaguchi, he highlighted Japan’s endeavour to help Mauritius through this partnership, in improving the efficiency of the local Government in its service delivery and at the same time support the country address the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He remarked that Municipal and village councillors are important players in ensuring the adequate services to the population and stressed that building their capacity and expertise is thus crucial for assuring national security and prosperity.
Furthermore, the Ambassador reiterated Japan’s resolve to continue to stand by Mauritius and to work to strengthen existing bilateral ties between the two countries.
On her part, Mrs Amanda Serumaga pointed out that the initiative forms part of UN’s COVID-19 Prevention, Response and Recovery Programme. She also laid emphasis on the pivotal role played by local authorities in providing quality services and infrastructure, and on the need to continue to remain motivated to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, the UNDP Resident Representative commended Municipal and Village Councillors for maintaining their focus on the delivery of services and addressing the needs of the community, despite prevailing challenges.
