USAID Lebanon: From the American People
 

PRESS RELEASE

US GOVERNMENT AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF BEIRUT LAUNCH PROGRAM TO MODERNIZE TAX INFORMATION AND THE CITIZEN RECEPTION OFFICE

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Beirut, Lebanon

The United States Agency for International Development/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the launching ceremony of the Municipal Geographic Information System and the new Citizen Reception Office at the Beirut Municipality.  The Minister of Interior, Ziad Baroud, the Mayor of Beirut, Nassif  Kallouch, and the Head of the Beirut Municipality, Abdel Mehnim Aris, also attended the ceremony.

The Municipality of Beirut will use the informations system for revenue expansion and planning. This tool will enable decision makers to promote transparency and fairness in the assessment and collection of taxes. Adopting this system constitutes a move towards more modern and effective practices at the Municipality of Beirut. In addition, the system can be utilized by municipal employees and officials on a daily basis to ensure that building or advertising licenses are properly issued, as well as by municipal officials to access information relevant to planning and development decisions. The Citizen Reception Office in the Municipality’s Financial Department will help establish more transparent, efficient and effective services.

The program is being implemented by the State University of New York/Center for Legislative Development under the USAID-funded municipal reform program. The program is focused on improving the overall quality of local governance by strengthening municipal administrative and financial capacities, utilizing technology to minimize opportunities for corruption, expanding the municipal revenue base, and widening citizen access to information and to officials. More than 700 municipalities are now utilizing the processes, procedures and automated systems developed under the program, enhancing the overall effectiveness and transparency of local government.

USAID has worked in Lebanon since 1951 and implemented development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. With funds from the American people, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment.  USAID’s work reflects the strong friendship between the Lebanese and American people.