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{
"id": 1384812,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384812/?format=api",
"text_counter": 778,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sigor, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Peter Lochakapong",
"speaker": null,
"content": "their functions, subject to the unique areas of operation of each RDA. The functions of these RDAs include: 1. Advising the Cabinet Secretary on matters relating to conservation, management, sustainable development and utilisation of basin-based natural resources. 2. Coordinating, planning and implementing policies and programmes related to integrated development and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. 3. Initiating, undertaking and coordinating studies on conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. 4. Maintaining a database of natural resources and formulating and disseminating a long-range development plan. 5. Monitoring and evaluating basic integrated development programmes and projects. The institutional framework of the Bill proposes establishment of six RDAs. The composition of each board will consist of a managing director, who will be the CEO, and nine members. The members are to be appointed by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development. The standardisation of the institutional framework of the RDAs shall promote integrated basin- based development within their respective regions. The Bill further standardises membership of the boards of each Authority, in line with best practices in corporate governance. The Bill establishes a board for each Authority with a total of 12 members, but we will be proposing amendments. The Departmental Committee on Regional Development, in its consideration of the Bill, proposes a reduction of board members from 12 to nine, excluding the ex-officio who is the managing director, in line with the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State corporations. The financial implication of the Bill includes remuneration for the boards, financing the RBA, policy implementation and research. The direct benefits of the Bill include better coordination, collaboration and synergy between different RBAs. This is through standardisation of their functions. For example, stalled projects in different regions will be better considered under the new institutional framework. The Government is keen to implement policies on economic growth, alleviation of poverty and development of infrastructure, industries, social services and amenities. The current legal and policy framework of RDAs includes the National Policy on ASALs, 2012, the Intergovernmental Relations Act of 2012, the Devolution Policy of 2016, Sessional Paper No.1 of 1986, Sessional Paper No.1 of 1994, Sessional Paper No.2 of 1996 and Vision 2030. If we consider comparative analysis of similar Bills in different countries, in Bangladesh, for example, the Bangladesh Rural Development Board operates under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. They receive funding from the national Government to implement rural development programmes such as infrastructure projects and poverty reduction initiatives. Its organisational structure consists of a central office located in Dhaka, the Capital City, and several field offices at the district and sub-district levels. The institutional framework of Bangladesh enables the effective implementation of rural development programmes and poverty alleviation initiatives. Its central office provides policy guidance, coordination and resource management while the field offices facilitate grassroots-level engagement and programme implementation, ensuring the needs of rural communities are addressed. Through its multifaceted approach, the Bangladesh model contributes to the sustainable development and improvement of rural livelihoods in the country. In South Africa, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is responsible for regional development, working closely with the provincial and local The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor"
}