Decentralization and Subnational Service Delivery in Iraq
Since the Constitution (2005) provided for decentralizing powers and functions for the Governorates, the government of Iraq has enacted several legal, policy, and institutional reform initiatives, the intent of which is to shift political and administrative powers and responsibilities from the Central Government to the Governorates. The legal and policy framework for decentralization is yet to be followed through with efficient implementation. The Government of Iraq and the World Bank will like to assess the current status of decentralization and its implications for improving service delivery at the Governorate level. The objective of the assessment is to take stock of the current state of decentralization in Iraq with a view to identifying factors that contribute to weak service delivery performance at the governorate level. The assessment will also make recommendations for policy and process reforms that are deemed necessary to moving forward the decentralization process, thereby helping to improve service delivery performance by the Governorates. The assessment was carried out through a combination of desk reviews and field level consultations. This assessment provides a snapshot of the current status of the decentralization process. It identifies policy and process reform measures that are necessary to strengthen service delivery by the 15 Governorates of Iraq. Strengthening local accountability should be the key to strengthening the service delivery performance of the Governorates.
Summary: | Since the Constitution (2005) provided
for decentralizing powers and functions for the
Governorates, the government of Iraq has enacted several
legal, policy, and institutional reform initiatives, the
intent of which is to shift political and administrative
powers and responsibilities from the Central Government to
the Governorates. The legal and policy framework for
decentralization is yet to be followed through with
efficient implementation. The Government of Iraq and the
World Bank will like to assess the current status of
decentralization and its implications for improving service
delivery at the Governorate level. The objective of the
assessment is to take stock of the current state of
decentralization in Iraq with a view to identifying factors
that contribute to weak service delivery performance at the
governorate level. The assessment will also make
recommendations for policy and process reforms that are
deemed necessary to moving forward the decentralization
process, thereby helping to improve service delivery
performance by the Governorates. The assessment was carried
out through a combination of desk reviews and field level
consultations. This assessment provides a snapshot of the
current status of the decentralization process. It
identifies policy and process reform measures that are
necessary to strengthen service delivery by the 15
Governorates of Iraq. Strengthening local accountability
should be the key to strengthening the service delivery
performance of the Governorates. |
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