KUNDUZ - Supporting public debate in Kunduz on the best ways to improve service delivery by local government institutions and the city's Provincial Council, two new television and radio programmes kicked off this week. Both series are backed by UNAMA.

In the first televised debate broadcast on Tuesday, guest speakers from the Provincial Council, civil society and government institutions discussed challenges and ways and means to improve service delivery to the people of Kunduz.

Hafizullah Rasooli, a senior Kunduz municipality official, shared its plans and progammes for improving service delivery in Kunduz, while also expressing appreciation to UNAMA for coordinating assistance by international organizations in the province.

Mr. Rasooli mentioned that Kunduz Municipality has prepared some public utility projects, which would be implemented as soon the financial resources are available.

“After the recent fall of Kunduz city to Taliban and its recapture by the government forces, the expectations placed on the local administration by people has increased,” said Amruddin Wali, a member of Kunduz Provincial Council. “Now the priorities of people of Kunduz are security and employment,” he said.

In the first debate programme of radio series, in addition to public service delivery, participants discussed the role of political parties, civil society and media in strengthening local government, as well as the role of youth and women in community peace building.

Abdul Salam Makhdoom, the representative of Provincial Governor’s Office, appreciated the provision of timely assistance by UN agencies and national and international organizations to the affected families during the fall of Kunduz city.

Zargul Alemi, the Secretary of Provincial Council in Kunduz, emphasized the issue of security in Kunduz.

“Security is the top priority,” she said and added that with the improvement of security, international organizations will take an interest to work in the province.

Following the capture of city by Taliban in September this year, many civilians were killed and wounded and thousands of people fled their homes.

After a period of disruption, many UN agencies have returned to Kunduz and resumed their services with UNAMA returning to business, with the goal to have its new offices ready in less than ten weeks. UNAMA’s offices in Kunduz were looted and gutted during the Taliban’s brief time in the city.

Both the TV and radio series will continue throughout the month of December and reach audiences of several hundred thousand in Kunduz and neighbouring provinces including Takhar, Baghlan and Badakhshan.