The Lao government has pledged to work diligently to improve public administration and social services for poor and vulnerable families in rural areas.
The government says it will improve efficiency and effectiveness of government services provided to rural populations throughout the country under the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-2025).
According to a report by KPL, a workshop was held on 30 June to discuss the results of the Public Service Survey held in four target districts, including Xamphan of Phongsaly, Lar District of Oudomxay, Samouay of Salavanh, and Dakchueng of Sekong province.
The workshop provided a platform for members of the People’s Provincial Assemblies (PPA) to share their experiences in applying the results of these public surveys to meet the demands of members in their constituencies.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Nisith Keopanya, says authorities have been tasked with conducting a survey and publishing the results on a regular basis to assist relevant officials in properly planning and providing social services at a local level that meet public needs.
“The survey will be a mechanism by which people can participate in expressing their views on public administration and development in their districts. It is a strong will of the party and the government, which is the state of the people for the people and the interests of the people. It also reflects as one of the indicators of Lao PDR in implementing the SDGs, especially the 16th Goal- to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies,” said Mr. Nisith.
Head of Governance and Citizen Participation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC, Ms. Aurélie Righetti, says the feedback gives the government useful information for improving service delivery so that it meets the needs and demands of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups and persons living in distant locations.
Crucial to the role of PPA Members is collecting the experiences and feedback of citizens on their engagement with local government. The PPA members in the four districts were actively involved in the implementation of the SUFS 2 and have shown their interest to use the SUFS results to monitor the service delivery at the district level.
The draft results of the survey, collecting feedback on citizen’s experiences on using public services, were shared with PPA Members from across Lao PDR so that they could in turn use this information to advance their oversight mandate in monitoring public service delivery at the Provincial Level.
