FIER, MARCH 18, 2011     Today, the Municipality of Fier opened a new public information office, supported by USAID.  Citizens with questions on local taxes, public works, permits and licenses, or social services can now come to the municipalities newly renovated office for quick answers and advice.  The Municipality hopes to increase citizen satisfaction with municipal services and improve transparency.

The office was renovated with the support of USAID’s local governance program and the Municipality of Fier.  The municipality re-constructed the office and trained the six-person staff.  USAID provided all computer equipment and furniture for the office.

USAID representative, Mr. Stephen Herbaly, noted the importance of one-stop-shops to achieve objectives related to improved communication with the public, and the increased level of transparency in local public administration. He encouraged the Municipality to seek out future initiatives that support these objectives.

Since 2007, USAID’s Local Governance Program in Albania (LGPA) has worked with ten municipalities to foster local economic growth, improve local governance, and strengthen civic and private sector engagement in local development.  LGPA’s partner municipalities are: Elbasan, Fier, Fushe-Kruje, Gramsh, Korçe, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Pogradec and Shkoder.