LOCAL governments across the world have started programmes to aid their communities.
In Malaysia, community development has been the underlying policy since independence and the emphasis has been on people’s participation in government-sponsored activities.
The success of community development and the outcomes of the programmes have enormous impact on communities.
Community development programmes have to focus on approach, and are intensive in content. The transformation of communities serves as the main hurdle in the socio-economic development efforts of developing nations like Malaysia.
Many countries have embarked on programmes to improve their citizens’ lives.
The development of any community is boosted by people’s involvement and their readiness to take action to achieve progress.
The role of local governments in community development is critical to ensure programmes fulfil people’s satisfaction.
Community development requires efforts by the government and communities.
However, in some countries, people believe that developmental programmes are the responsibility of the government.
Inevitably, projects provided by the government, without involving the people, could not be sustained because of a lack of commitment by the people, as they were not involved in the decision-making.
Community members should have an interest in programmes that affect their welfare and participate in identifying their needs, planning and execution of programmes.
The projects, especially socio-economic ones, benefit and form part of the assets of local authorities and generate a source of income.
Projects implemented by local authorities are people-centric.
Even small-scale projects boost the physical and socio-economic wellbeing of communities.
This is complemented by good services, efficient public utilities, recreational facilities and balanced economic opportunities provided by local governments.
Malaysian local governments offer an example of opportunities that other countries could emulate to develop and empower their communities.
DR THENMOLLI VADEVELOO,
Senior lecturer, Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, UiTM