The national meetings for decentralization have been held since yesterday at the International Conference Center (CCI) Ivato. They bring together for two days the state representatives of the decentralized territorial communities (CTD) as well as the international technical and financial partners. Their objective is to validate the contents of the National Emerging Decentralization Plan Process (PNDE) and express their commitment to its implementation.
After a vast process of consultation of the needs and realities of each region, the validation of the PNDE marks the finalization of its development process. The PNDE should thus constitute the roadmap for the implementation of decentralization and the empowerment of local authorities in Madagascar.
During the opening ceremony of this event, Andry Rajoelina, took stock of the actions carried out over the past four years. He spoke in particular of the strengthening of the presence of the State at the level of the localities of the country, the establishment of governors for each region, the creation of the 23rd Vatovavy region and soon the 24th Ambatosoa region, the increase in subsidies dedicated to CTDs. He said the government has worked to build many basic infrastructure at district and commune level. He also mentioned the provision of 4×4 vehicles for the heads of districts, and the provision of motorcycles for the mayors of the communes.
The government may well relaunch the decentralization process in the country, yet the report shows a process that remains unfinished. It is also 30 years since Madagascar ratified the African Charter of Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development. In 2014, a law relating to the resources of the Decentralized Territorial Collectivities (CTD), the methods of elections, as well as the organization, functioning and attributions of their bodies was adopted, but effective decentralization is still a long way off. .
