Local-level governments are tasked with many responsibilities. They are required to formulate laws, improve education, enhance agriculture, and improve livelihoods. While local governments have significant duties within defined boundaries, their efficiency has not significantly improved.

A range of laws need to be formulated, including those related to urban development, building construction, cooperative operations, employment, and school regulation, among others. Expectations from the people are high. However, local governments have struggled to generate sufficient revenue, which in turn hinders their ability to meet the needs of their communities. Construction projects are often delayed due to cumbersome rules and regulations.

Local governments have failed to make proper use of local infrastructure and services. Additionally, they face legal challenges in construction work and have a shortage of qualified personnel, often struggling to retain staff within their institutions. The mobilization of resources and staff creates further difficulties.

Financial mismanagement is another issue, with local governments failing to effectively manage their budgets. Their budgeting process tends to be outdated and lacks a focus on results. Local governments also rarely collaborate on projects that could benefit multiple communities or cities.

People’s representatives often neglect to monitor the projects selected for development. On average, more than 200 projects each year fail to even begin.

Environmental degradation caused by development works is another concern, as local governments often neglect proper environmental studies before starting projects. This oversight not only harms the environment but also increases hazards to the public.

Furthermore, the allowances for local-level officials are inconsistent and lack a uniform approach. These allowances are often allocated without proper study or consideration of expected results. Schools under local-level governance also fail to adhere to financial discipline, and local governments show little interest in rectifying this.

Even though people’s representatives have taken over local governments, the efficiency of these bodies has not improved. Local governments need to closely monitor construction projects and align their actions with the expectations of the people. They must also establish financial discipline, ensuring that projects are results-oriented.

Small-scale projects with minimal budgets should be avoided, as they obscure financial transparency and do not contribute to national welfare. Local governments should prioritize larger, more impactful projects and invest in a skilled and visionary workforce.

For rapid development and to meet the expectations of the people, local governments should focus on improving local infrastructure, managing manpower effectively, and maintaining financial discipline.

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