Regional development funds 'more effective'

Local people say that development funds of Ks 100 million allowed for each member of parliament are more effective than aid from international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in fulfilling their basic needs. However, controversy has erupted between the government and parliament over the implementation of such development projects.

The Ks 100-million development plan began this fiscal year, but the amount is not enough for regional requirements, say local residents. 

In the township of Myaungmya, Ayeyarwady Region, most of the Ks 100-million fund is reportedly used in the education sector, while some of the money is also spent on other requirements of the local people.

They say the amount of Ks 100 million is not enough to meet all local needs. However, it is more effective than INGO assistance because the main requirements can be fulfilled. The development efforts of INGOs can be limited as they rely mainly on donors, say the locals.

“The amount of Ks 100 million allotted by parliament is little. Actually, there are a lot of requirements for the region. The crematorium repairs at Myaungmya cemetery carried out with this fund are really necessary. About three wards surrounding the area were polluted with smoke from the crematorium. We asked for assistance from many local organisations and INGOs. But it didn’t work. Now we are glad we received help [from the development fund],” said Thet Paing Kyu from Myaungmya’s charitable youth association. Thet Paing Kyu said the town has many NGOs and INGOs but their aid is limited and relies on local and foreign donors.

“Parliament has provided assistance that the people really need. So it [the development fund from parliament] is more effective, he said.

Local residents of the Cyclone Nargis-hit town of Labutta in Ayeyawady Region also say the Ks 100-million development fund is more effective than the aid from some NGOs and INGOs.

“During the post-Nargis period in Labutta, more NGOs and INGOs emerged. Their responsibility is too little. Donations are limited. So they cannot help us, no matter how important a project it is. Parliament’s development fund is more effective. The people enjoy real benefits,” said Aung Moe Win, member of an association for free healthcare in Labutta.

“They used to rent first-class buildings when they entered the country. And they bought cars and motorbikes. And they hired staff members. Only after that would the remaining money go to the public. If they get one thousand in funding, just three hundred goes to the public. It’s even worse that some staff of [NGOs and INGOs] don’t actually work but just cheat money out of them. Some just tried to have their documents signed by village officials to show that they worked there, but they didn’t actually work and people didn’t get what they said they gave.”

Ma Nan, a youth representative from Ayeyarwady Region who is attending the Asean Youth Forum, said that people too often see little or no benefit from the NGOs and INGOs that claim to be helping them.

“The development fund of Ks 100 million granted by the parliament does actually work. They [NGOs and INGOs] will no longer be needed if MPs, local support committees and civil society organisations work together effectively,” said Ma Nan.