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Citizen Service Centers: Improving Municipal Services for Citizens in the West Bank
Published 03/19/2014 by Global Communities
Citizen Service Centers: Improving Municipal Services for Citizens in the West BankĀ
One of the many challenges facing both citizens and local government in the West Bank has been dealing with inefficient and bureaucratic government services. Citizens often find themselves shuttling between municipal departments and offices in various locations, waiting for extended periods of time, returning several times to check on the status of requests, and receiving mixed messages from civil servants on what to do.
In response to this, Global Communities introduced theĀ concept of Citizen Service Centers (CSCs) based on previously successful experienceĀ in the local governance sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ā The Citizen Service Centers function as a “one stop shop” for all relevant municipal functions from paying bills to obtaining licenses and permits.Ā
Since 2005, GlobalĀ Communities, with USAID funding, has established CSCs in 20 communities in theĀ West Bank, first under the Local Democratic Reform program and now continuing underĀ the Local Government & Infrastructure program. With an average investment of aroundĀ $250,000, Global Communities is planning to implement an additional 7 CSCs by 2015Ā for a total of 27.
For more information, please read the Citizen Service Centers factsheet.Ā