Engaging communities for sustainable development By Adnan Raja The Pakistan Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) launched

the FATA Urban Centers Project (FUCP) on June 30, 2012 which envisions the uplift of the local economy and basic infrastructure through improved urban services. The Project will initiate institutional and financial reforms for improved management of all urban centers in FATA. Community Participation (CP) at all levels throughout its implementation is a key component of this Project as demonstrated by fact that the launch ceremony was held at a Grand Jirga meeting of tribal elders, government officials, key stakeholders in the Project and importantly, by representatives of the local community at Khar, Bajaur Agency, FATA. The launch of the FUCP at this forum was significant in that the Grand Jirga is the representative central political authority in each of the seven semi-autonomous FATA agencies. Decisions on proposed projects regarding social uplift programs and infrastructure development are made at this forum. There are, however, current high level discussions regarding reformation of the political set up in FATA which may or may not alter the Jirga system as a decision making authority in these areas. In any case, FUCP was also the first such initiative of this scale to be approved at a Grand Jirga level. In the context of development, CP refers to an active process whereby beneficiaries influence the direction and execution of development projects rather than merely receive a share of project benefits. The Pakistan MDTF FUCP Team recognizes that sustainability of projects, and in a larger sense, of development, cannot be achieved without the capacity of the beneficiaries and their institutions being strengthened in the process, thereby instilling a level of community ownership in the program. The KP-FATA region was determined to be a relevant selection for the Urban Centers Project pilot launch as it has the lowest level of urbanization in the country. The 2009 crisis in the region contributed towards the destruction of basic public infrastructure, deterioration of services, and decline of institutional capacity at the local level. According to the last Pakistan population census of 1998, only 2.7% of the population in FATA resided in areas officially designated as urban settlements. However, there are concerns that these figures may be under reported due to the inaccurate classification of some notable settlements as rural. In addition, the persistence of obsolete boundaries for recognized urban areas that exclude large sections of populations residing outside the demarcated urban boundaries but within the expanded townships may also affect urban vs. rural classification. Thus, according to the population census of 1998, Bajaur Agency has no population designated as urban. Municipal infrastructure and services in FATA remain significantly below par compared to corresponding settlements in other parts of the country. However, these still represent the most vital opportunities for the majority of the tribal population in terms of access to essential services, venues for trade, and wider economic opportunities.

In 2009, the Government of Pakistan (GoP) launched various assessments for strategic medium to long term support for the crisis affected region, culminating in a Post Crisis Needs Assessment (PCNA) supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Commission (EC), United Nations (UN) and the World Bank which was delivered in October 2010. The PCNA provides the underpinnings for long term development in KP and FATA. Key components of the PCNA include employment stimulation and livelihood opportunities as well as to ensure provision of basic services. The FUCP addresses the pillar of PCNA which encapsulates two strategic objectives: (i) build responsiveness and effectiveness of the State to restore citizen trust; and; (ii) ensure delivery of basic services. Highlighting the potential of the Project, Mr. Omar Khan, Project Director, Tribal Areas Ruralto-Urban Conversion Centers Initiative (TARUCCI) says, A Khar municipality area spread over 2.5 square kms will be transformed into an urban hub, involving improved municipal services. The FUCP would be carried out hand-in-hand with the local community and stakeholders because the project aims at achieving social transformation in FATA while side by side improving infrastructure. All the urban facilities enjoyed by citizens of other major cities will be provided to the people of Khar through this project. Initially, USD 7 million has been allocated for this three year Project which potentially would be extended to other parts of FATA. The expected outcome of the FUCP is to contribute towards initiation of the process of social transformation in FATA from a scattered rural-tribal society to a more urbanized and progressive society. In the long-term, the people of FATA are likely to benefit from socioeconomic development through provision of improved services, livelihood opportunities, and economic growth. The Project has the endorsement of the Federal government at the highest levels. Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), Shaukatullah Khan says, Lack of basic needs and proper attention were the main reason for the under-development of the tribal areas in the past. The Government is very interested in providing basic needs and facilities to tribal areas like the urban cities of the country and the launch of mega projects would improve the life standards of tribesmen.