Hebron – Represented by its Board Chairman, Abed Al Qader Al Husseni, the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Hebron Municipality. Mayor Tayseer Abu Sneineh signed the memorandum on behalf of the Hebron Municipality. The MoU provides for adopting recommendations of AMAN’s study, The Local Integrity System at Hebron Municipality. An action team will be established to develop a plan and follow up on the implementation of these recommendations. The MoU reflects the Hebron Municipality’s policy and approach to openness to the public and partnership with the local community with a view to promoting the principle of participatory governance and improving public service delivery. Within the framework of effective accountability, public services will be provided on the basis of equality, fairness, integrity and transparency.
Commending the strategic relationship between AMAN and Hebron Municipality, Al Husseini highlighted the Municipality’s policy and will to respond to citizen’s aspirations and expectations. Constructive partnership between local government units and civil society organisations require a concerted effort underpinned by cooperation and shared experiences. To serve public interest, every party will appreciate the role the other plays. Al Husseini complimented the positive role of the Hebron Municipal Council, which provides essential public services. Al Husseini stressed the importance of civil society support for the Council’s role for the benefit of all citizens. Abu Sneineh highlighted the Hebron Municipality’s openness and response to the recommendations, which would enhance service delivery and increase the confidence of citizens in the Municipality.
According to the MoU, the Hebron Municipality will develop a set of regulations and manuals with a view to promoting integrity, transparency and accountability. These include an information disclosure policy, conflict of interest policy, procedure manual for the receipt and handling of complaints, and charter of service between the Hebron Municipality and citizens. In addition, the Code of Conduct for Local Government Units will be aligned to the needs, institutional context and service delivery at the Hebron Municipality.
