The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is to contribute $4-million (R24-million) to 23 South African municipalities, it was announced last night.

The municipalities, in five provinces, will benefit from a programme designed to improve municipal performance and increase revenue.

According to acting director Denise Rollins speaking at the launch last night, "the programme we are launching tonight will encourage municipalities to form partnerships with their constituencies.

“Officials will learn how to do their jobs well, earning greater respect and support from local people." It forms part of the South African Department of Provincial and Local Government's "Project Consolidate", an initiative to provide hand-on assistance to local governments.

Since 1998, USAID has worked with the Department of Provincial and Local Government on a series of initiatives known as the Local Governance Support Program (LGSP).

The overall LGSP agreement is funded at $20-million (about R120-million).

The new phase of the program that was launched April 11 will run from 2005 to 2007.

The 23 municipalities are located in the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West.

The emphasis will be on a 'learning by doing' approach, through the following activities:

- An improved communication strategy will enable citizens to realise their civic duty to pay for the municipal services they consume.

- Municipalities will also communicate more effectively with each other via a Website to share best practices.

- Training courses such as strategic planning, procurement, local economic development, and financial management, will enable municipalities to function more effectively, transparently and accountably.

- Partners will include universities, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and consulting firms.

The program will be administered through local partners and RTI International, a leading global development research organisation.