EU PROGRES

The European Partnership with Municipalities Programme – PROGRES and the Center for Free Elections and Democracy - CeSID presented findings of the survey Citizens Satisfaction  with Lifess  in Local Communities,  that was carried out in 25 municipalities of South and Southwest of Serbia during the past two months.

 "Citizens showed low level of trust in local institutions and expressed high expectations from authorities regarding  improvement of local economy and the standard of living .  They recognised certain improvements in the work of local self governments but further advancements in creating local governments tailored to citizens’ needs  are both possible and desirable", said Đorđe Vuković, the CeSID Director, summarizing the survey findings at today's presentation. 

Citizens are alienated from political and social system at the local level. This conclusion is based on low level of trust in local institutions, averaging at 25% of respondents. The survey findings further showed that citizens are the least satisfied with the condition of local economy and the standard of living .  Citizens rated economic situation in their communities very low, with barely 2 on a scale from 1 to 5. 

The Survey findings indicate that citizens want to see improvement in local infrastructure, especially roads, water supply and sewage, transport, cleanliness and general organization of cities and other settlements. 

Based on responses from citizens, there has been some improvement of local administration efficiency, which was one of elements affecting the level of citizens' satisfaction with local government and ability to exercise their rights. This conclusion is based on findings that the majority of citizens responded  they have "sufficient information" about local administration work, that public procedures are "clear enough” and that they wait for services "as long as required". 

"Each work has to be assessed, but most important is the assessment of citizens. Novi Pazar will use the findings of the Survey to continue with provision of services positively evaluated by citizens and will improve areas where citizens are less satisfied", said the mayor of Novi Pazar, Meho Mahmutović, who hosted today's presentation of the survey findings. 

The Survey has provided valuable information about possible directions and priorities for development and investment in the future by local governments. Citizens in most municipalities view agriculture and light industry as  main sectors of future development. When asked about the priorities for budget resources investment, they put investments in agriculture at the first position, which was followed by investments in local infrastructure and social benefits/measures for supporting the poorest citizens. 

Speaking about the importance of the Survey, Aleksandra Radetić, the Deputy Manager of PROGRES said: "This survey is an illustration of key problems and needs of citizens in 25 municipalities, as well as their expectations from local institutions. Local governments can now use the opinions of their citizens as a guide for improving their efficiency and development. However, the improvement of living conditions in any local community depends on contribution from civil society and all of its citizens. PROGRES will support the efforts of municipalities and civil society in this direction". 

Number of citizens who were directly interviewed in each municipality covered by the Survey was between 250 and 400, making a total of approximately 7,500 citizens, which is a representative sample. This Survey was financed by the European Union and the Government of Switzerland, the PROGRES donors. 

Conducting public syrveys is one of PROGRES activities aiming to support municipalities in their efforts to improve performance and enhance the respect for good governance principles: citizen participation, accountability, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness. In addition to good governance, PROGRES will assist municipalities to improve infrastructure, the quality of services that municipalities provide to citizens and businesses, and to promote their development potentials.