Project for Improving Performance of Local Services in Bosnia and Herzegovina
PIPLS Project
The Project for Improving Performance of Local Services (PIPLS) aimed to support local governments in increasing their level of transparency and accountability in managing publicly owned goods, which consequently contributed to generating funding for capital investments and improving service delivery.
PIPLS Project Goal
The project sought to improve access to critical public services through better governance and greater investment in local infrastructure.
The project was financed by Sweden and co-financed and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in cooperation with 3 cantons and 22 local governments (LGs).

The Project helped partner local governments establish a system for the strategic management of their public asset portfolios and developed the necessary skills of staff managing the system. Moreover, to make the most of available financial resources, the Project provided direct and on-site support to local and cantonal governments in practicing smart revenue and expenditure management, consequently contributing to better fund generation for capital investments. Unchecked executive spending was reduced, and more funds for investment in services were made available by strengthening internal control systems and introducing a new level of scrutiny to the local government's financial management practices. Furthermore, the Project undertook efforts to introduce and strengthen structured public procurement practices to ensure public funds were safeguarded.
Finally, the Project worked with newly elected and reform-oriented mayors in pursuing a progressive service-oriented agenda through its Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) component. Newly elected local government leaders were supported in delivering their service priority interventions across four thematic areas: digital governance, service delivery and infrastructure, local economic development, and financial management.

- 22 partner local governments and 3 partner cantons where PIPLS introduced and institutionalized improved good governance practices, with up to 9 governments from this group implementing improvements in public service delivery infrastructure.
- Approximately 20,000 citizens (around 50% of whom are women) in target localities benefited from improved access to and quality of vital local public services.
- Up to 10 local governments were serviced through the Facility.

- Improved service delivery was achieved through better management of the municipal asset portfolio.
- Revenue and expenditure management were enhanced through improved internal controls and public procurement capacities.
- Public service infrastructure was upgraded.
- Local government leaders were supported in their efforts to effectively deliver their reform agendas aimed at improving the quality of life in their communities.
Status
Completed
Start date
January 2021
Estimated end date
December 2024
Geographic Coverage
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Donors
Swedish International Development Cooperation, United Nations Development Programme and local governments in BiH
Partners
Public Administration Reform Coordinator’s Office (PARCO), entity Ministries of Finance, Office for Development and European Integration of Posavina Canton, entity Associations of Municipalities and Cities, three Cantons and 22 LGs