Total cost
$2,181,223
Partners
Ministry of Social and Cultural Affairs
(Khartoum State)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Centre for Human Settlements
(Habitat)
Background and objectives
The main objective of this project is
to assist selected areas in Khartoum state, through a bottom-up approach
and grassroots institutional set-up, aiming at improving the management
capacities of local institutions for poverty alleviation. The project
objectives are to build confidence between all urban actors through the
establishment of a consultation organizational framework; achieve an integrated
programme approach and increased individual and institutional capacity
in poverty alleviation; develop the urban informal sector through income
generating activities; secure land tenure to disadvantaged groups in camps/squatted
areas to provide a secure environment for investment; and develop project
management tools through baseline data, key indicators and best practices.
Activities
A project advisory committee has been
established; five targeted municipal areas were selected representing the
old urban core, the informal areas and camps housing internally displaced
persons; and, local project committees, municipal committees, a decision-making
process and coordination mechanisms have been established. The project
produced inter-sectoral policy guidelines and a strategic interventions
framework for poverty alleviation in 2001; strengthened the Social Development
Foundation to operate as a poverty alleviation coordination mechanism produced
a poverty alleviation plan of action and will produce a manual of techniques
and practices for poverty alleviation.
Results
Management and operational systems are
organized and function effectively. Since July 1999, the project
has been managed and implemented by national professionals. The project
is legalising the local development committees into registered CBOs. Furthrmore,
planning and coordination committees have been established as poverty-focussed
bodies at the locality level. Innovative credit mechanisms have been
established and tested through the management of a US$ 1,000,000 revolving
fund where Islamic credit schemes are being explored (particularly addressing
inflation). Despite operating in the poorest IDP areas, the loan recovery
rate has increased from 51 per cent in 1999 to 67 per cent in 2000.
Recovery rate is to be further improved by strengthening the capacities
of community institutions and individual beneficiaries. Approximately 1,200
persons from all categories of the urban poor are receiving skills development
training. Building materials quality and productivity and construction
technologies are being improved in the informal construction sector.
The issue of provision of basic human needs, particularly water has been
given priority as an important approach to poverty reduction. Accordingly
the project has directly assisted 1443 households in five settlements (haras)
through the installation/rehabilitation of water facilities and establishment
of water networks on cost recovery basis. The sustainable livelihood
initiative for IDPs in As Salam Camp and Dar As Salam resettlement has
been incorporated in the project. During 2001, the project team will
further build the capcity of the SDF and hand-over activities to the counterparts.
Through an SPPD, UN-Habitat will prepare a funding strategy, project
documents and identify potential local, bilateral and regional sources
for funding.
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