BAMYAN – A new Citizen Service Centre in central Bamyan province is part of ongoing UN support to improved service delivery and local governance across the country.

The Bamyan city centre is designed to serve as a one stop office for information requests, the filing of complaints, sharing of information with the public and the provision of basic services such as issuance of ID cards. It is one of 13 that will operate around Afghanistan.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) funded construction of the centre and will provide equipment and staff training, while UNAMA provided technical and other on-ground support.  

Tahir Zohair, Governor of Bamyan province, said “The centre will not only expedite delivery of services and lead to a greater level of accountability and transparency, but will also manage grievances in an effective manner to narrow the gap between the people and the government.”

Aileen Villareal, Head of UNAMA’s Bamyan field office, said “The opening of citizen service centres is a positive step that will improve citizens’ access to information and services.”

“The centres will also help to promote enhanced accountability and transparency in local government,” said Ms. Villareal.

Mir Nadia Nivin, Head of UNDP’s Governance Unit, underscored the organization’s efforts in promotion of good governance by building the capacity of local government departments in planning, budgeting and monitoring of service delivery.

Through its field office in Bamyan, UNAMA maintains a continuing presence in the province, including in the areas of Governance, Human Rights and Political Affairs.

UNDP and UNAMA are part of the UN family in Afghanistan. More than 20 different UN entities are present in the country, working to support the Afghan government’s priorities through a broad spectrum of development and humanitarian activities.

UNDP is the UN's global development network. It advocates for change and connects the Afghan Government, NGOs, civil society and other partners to the knowledge and resources they need to help the Afghan people build a better life. 

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.