The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has trained more than 50 government officials, civil society representatives, women and youth groups, faith-based organisations, and other stakeholders in Lakes State on the implementation and oversight of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). The training, which took place in Rumbek, aimed to strengthen local ownership, accountability, and sustainability in projects supported by UNMISS. This initiative is part of UNMISS's efforts to support the government in delivering services and peace dividends to communities.
Henry Sambai of UNMISS's Protection, Transition and Reintegration office highlighted the importance of QIPs in delivering services and peace dividends to communities. He expressed satisfaction with the government's endeavours and their role in bringing support to the communities. Sambai also mentioned that participants had agreed to establish an oversight committee, chaired by the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC), to monitor project implementation. This committee will ensure that projects are implemented effectively and efficiently.
Agum Joseph Kuc, chairperson of the Lakes State Women's General Association, welcomed the training, saying it had improved her understanding of how groups could apply for QIP support. She noted that with this new understanding, her organisation could have implemented more projects if they had known about the opportunities earlier. Kuc's sentiments were echoed by other participants, who appreciated the training for clarifying the process of accessing QIP funding.
Peter Gum Ater, director general of the state Ministry of Social Development and Child Welfare, said the training had clarified the roles of government and implementing partners. He emphasised that the training was essential in ensuring that all stakeholders understood their responsibilities in project implementation. Ater's comments were supported by Hakim Cipuounyuc Awur, executive director of the Disabled Association for Rehabilitation and Development, who welcomed the creation of a locally led oversight structure.
Hakim Cipuounyuc Awur expressed pride in the workshop, saying it was a significant step towards ensuring that projects were implemented effectively. He noted that civil society organisations and implementing partners would benefit from the training, which would enhance their capacity to support project implementation. Awur's organisation is committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are implemented successfully.
Degur Makuac, executive director of Wulu County, said the training had helped government officials and partners better understand their responsibilities in implementing projects in local communities. He noted that the training had clarified the roles of all stakeholders, ensuring that each person knew their role in project implementation. Makuac expressed optimism that the training would lead to improved project delivery and more effective use of resources.
The training is expected to have a positive impact on project implementation in Lakes State, with stakeholders now better equipped to oversee and implement QIPs. The establishment of an oversight committee will ensure that projects are monitored and evaluated effectively. Key outcomes of the training include improved understanding of QIP implementation and oversight, enhanced capacity of stakeholders to support project implementation, and establishment of an oversight committee to monitor project implementation.
Key points
- The training aimed to strengthen local ownership, accountability, and sustainability in projects supported by UNMISS.
- Participants agreed to establish an oversight committee, chaired by the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC), to monitor project implementation.
- The training clarified the roles of government and implementing partners in project implementation.
