With support from USAID and in close collaboration with the Institute of Finance of the Ministry of Finance a 120-hour training curriculum was developed by the Institute and SUNY/CLD to enhance the oversight capacities of the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (MOIM) with respect to local government institutions.

Focused on municipal financial and administrative procedures, the intensive two-month training course began on December 11, 2006 with 21 general auditors recently hired by MOIM to address the need for more efficient and specialized oversight of municipalities that is the responsibility of the Local Government Division within the Ministry.

Director of the Institute of Finance Lamia Mbayad-Bsat welcomed participants during a ceremony held December 12, 2006. General Manager of the Local Government Division of MOIM Khalil Hajal emphasized in his speech that followed the opening remarks the importance of auditors performing in a transparent and efficient way in support of a more effective administration.

SUNY/CLD Country Director Mahmoud Batlouni emphasized in his presentation the importance of the training program for the auditors encouraging them to take advantage of the course and to work in a unified and transparent manner.

The course will provide an overview of the laws governing municipal work including those related to budgeting and accounting, as well as topics such as the management of municipal revenues and the administrative structures of local government and the MOIM. In addition, the auditors will be trained in the use of the financial and administrative systems developed for municipalities including the Municipal Budget System, the Municipal Revenue System, and the Municipal Accounting System gaining a thorough understanding of the work processes of municipalities as well as the reporting requirements for local government institutions.

The training course is being taught by a consortium of judicial and legal experts, MOIM managers, and SUNY/CLD staff specialized in municipal issues.